,,! ,,s\l ,,( ,a ,,p  ,illu/ration3     
,publi%]'s logo  ,,! ,,s\l ,,( ,a ,,p   
,,by  ,h4 ,,field+   ',= to see ?+s 9 _!
 beauty is to see !m 9 _! tru?'  ,,mat!w
 ,,arnold   ,london ,,macmillan ,,&     
,,co41 ,,limit$ ,,new ,,york3 ,,!       
,,macmillan ,,company #ahii   ,fir/     
,edition1 #ahih ,second ,edition1 #ahih 
,?ird ,edition1 #ahii     ,,d$ication   
,,to ,,second ,,edition   ,i d$icate ?is
 book to y ab\t :om x is writt54 ,x has 
be5 made a reproa* to me by ! critics t 
,i h only spok5 well ( y1 t ,i h =gott5 
y\r faults & rememb]$ only y\r virtues4 
,if x is wrong to h done ?is1 ,i mu/    
admit ! wrong4 ,i h writt5 ( y z a fri5d
 does ( a fri5d4 ,:]e ,i c\ld say k9d   
?+s ( y ,i h done s1 :]e ,i c\ld n ,i h 
be5 sil5t4 ,y w f9d pl5ty ( p :o c see  
only y\r faults1 & :o l to tell y ( !m4 
,y w f9d 9 ! inexorable sequ5ce ( ev5ts 
a corrector ( ^! faults m pot5t ?an any 
critics c be4 ,b ,i am n y\r critic1 b  
y\r fri5d4 ,if _m ( y _h n admitt$ me1 a
 /rang]1 into y\r fri5d%ip dur+ my _m v 

solit>y ye>s1 ( :at sort %\ld ,i be n[8 
,h[ c\ld ,i h liv$ ^? ye>s alone8 ,y    
kept alive my sympa?ies1 & s sav$ me f  
_m ?+s4 ,d y ?9k ,i c\ld n[ turn r\nd & 
criticise y8 ,no2 b ?is book is my      
tribute ( gratitude = _m k9dnesses4     
,,preface   ,9 mo/ ( ! quotations f     
,burmese books conta9+ ! life ( !       
,buddha ,i am indebt$1 if n = ! exact   
words1 yet = ! s5se1 to ,bi%op ,big&et's
 translation4  ,i d n ?9k ,i am indebt$ 
to anyone else4 ,i h1 inde$1 purposely  
avoid$ quot+ f any o!r book & us+       
mat]ial collect$ by anyone else4  ,!    
/ory ( ,ma ,pa ,da has appe>$ (t5 be=e1 
b my v]sion is tak5 entirely f !        
,burmese song4 ,x is1 z ,i h said1 kn[n 
to ne>ly e ,burman4  ,i want$ to write  
only :at ! ,burmese !mselves ?\ght2 :e!r
 ,i h succe$$ or n1 ! read] c judge4  ,i
 am indebt$ to ,messrs4 ,william        
,blackwood & ,sons = p]mission to use   
p>ts ( my article on ',burmese          
,wom5'--,blackwood's ,magaz9e1 ,may1    
#ahie--;9 ! pres5t "w4     ,,cont5ts    

,,*apt]                                 
,,page      ,i4 ,,liv+ ,,beliefs        
#a     ,,ii4 ,,he ,,:o ,,f\nd ,,!       
,,light--,i4       #ag    ,,iii4 ,,he   
,,:o ,,f\nd ,,! ,,light--,,ii4      #cd 
,,iv4 ,,! ,,way ,,to ,,! ,,great ,,peace
       #df      ,v4 ,,w>--,i4           
#ef     ,,vi4 ,,w>--,,ii4               
#gg    ,,vii4 ,,gov]nm5t                
#hg   ,,viii4 ,,crime ,,& ,,puni%m5t    
#ajb     ,,ix4 ,,happ9ess               
#aaf      ,x4 ,,! ,,monkhood--,i4       
#abg     ,,xi4 ,,! ,,monkhood--,,ii4    
#aec    ,,xii4 ,,pray]                  
#aeh   ,,xiii4 ,,fe/ivals               
#aff    ,,xiv4 ,,wom5--,i4              
#ahe     ,,xv4 ,,wom5--,,ii4            
#bje    ,,xvi4 ,,wom5--,,iii4           
#bbd   ,,xvii4 ,,divorce                
#bbh  ,,xviii4 ,,dr9k                   
#bdb   ,,xix4 ,,mann]s                  
#bdh    ,,xx4 ',,noblesse ,,oblige'     
#bef    ,,xxi4 ,,all ,,life ,,is ,,"o   
#bgg   ,,xxii4 ,,dea?1 ,,! ,,deliv]]    
#cjb  ,,xxiii4 ,,! ,,pott]',s ,,:eel    

#cbb   ,,xxiv4 ,,! ,,=e/ ,,( ,,"t       
#cdb    ,,xxv4 ,,conclusion             
#cdh     ,,! ,,s\l ,,( ,a ,,p           
,,*apt] ,i  ,,liv+ ,,beliefs       ',!  
obs]vance ( ! law alone entitles to ! "r
 ( belong+      to my religion4'--,say+ 
( ! ,buddha4   ,= ! fir/ few ye>s ( my  
/ay 9 ,burma my life 0 s full (         
excitem5t t ,i _h little c>e or "t = any
 ?\ght b ( to-day4 ,!re 01 fir/ ( all1  
my few mon?s 9 ,upp] ,burma 9 ! ,k+'s "t
 be=e ! w>1 mon?s :i* 7 full ( dang] & !
 exhil>ation ( dang]1 :5 all ! surr\nd+s
 7 too new & too curi\s to leave leisure
 = exam9ation b5ea? ! surface4 ,!n came 
! flight f ,upp] ,burma at ! "t ( ! w>1 
& !n ! w> itself4 ,& ?is w> la/$ f\r    
ye>s4 ,n f\r ye>s ( fight+ 9 ,burma     
prop]1 = mo/ ( ! ,irrawaddy valley 0    
peaceful en\gh by ! end ( #ahhi2 b z !  
c5tral p>ts quiet$ d[n1 ,i 0 s5t to !   
fronti]1 fir/ on ! ,nor? & !n on ! ,ea/ 
by ! ,*9 m\nta9s2 s t x 0 n until #ahij 
t a transf] to a m settl$ "p gave me    
quiet & opportunity = consid]ation ( all

 ,i _h se5 & kn[n4 ,= x 0 9 ^? ye>s t ,i
 ga9$ mo/ ( :atev] little k ,i h ( !    
,burmese p4  ,mon?s1 v _m mon?s1 ,i     
pass$ ) no "o to speak to1 ) no o!r     
companions b ,burmese4 ,i h be5 ) !m 9  
joy & 9 sorr[1 ,i h f\ght ) !m & aga9/  
!m1 & sat r\nd ! camp-fire aft] ! day's 
"w & talk$ ( x all4 ,i h _h _m fri5ds   
among/ !m1 fri5ds ,i %all always hon\r2 
& ,i h se5 !m kill$ sometimes 9 our     
fights1 or dead ( fev] 9 ! m>%es ( !    
fronti]4 ,i h kn[n !m f ! lab\r] to !   
,prime ,m9i/]1 f ! little neophyte j    
accept$ into ! fai? to ! head ( all !   
,burmese religion4 ,i h kn[n _! wives & 
daught]s2 h wat*$ _m a flirtation 9 !   
w>m sc5t$ ev5+s2 & h se5 girls become   
wives & wives mo!rs :ile ,i h liv$      
among/ !m4 ,s t al?\gh :5 ! c\ntry      
settl$ d[n1 & we built h\ses = ourselves
 & return$ m to ,engli% modes ( liv+1 ,i
 felt t ,i 0 drift+ away f !m into !    
conv5tionality & ignorance ( our (ficial
 lives1 yet ,i _h 9 my memory mu* ( :at 
,i _h se51 mu* ( :at ,i _h done1 t ,i   

%all nev] =get4 ,i felt t ,i _h be5--ev5
 if x 7 only = a "t--beh9d ! veil1 :]e x
 is s h>d to come4  ,9 look+ ov] ^!     
memories x seem$ to me t !re 7 _m ?+s ,i
 did n und]/&1 acts ( !irs & cu/oms1 :i*
 ,i _h se5 & not$1 b ( :i* ,i did n "k !
 reason4 ,we all "k h[ h>d x is to see  
into ! he>t ev5 ( our own p1 ^? ( our   
fle% & blood :o are ) u always1 ^: ways 
are our ways1 & ^: ?\ghts are ak9 to    
ours4 ,& if ?is be s ) !m1 x is t5 ?\s& 
times h>d] ) ^? ^: ways are n our ways1 
& f ^: ?\ghts we mu/ be f> ap>t4 ,x is  
true t !re are no d>k places 9 ! lives (
 ! ,burmese z !re are 9 ! lives ( o!r   
,ori5tals4 ,all is op5 to ! light ( day 
9 _! homes & 9 _! religion1 & _! wom5   
are ! free/ 9 ! _w4 ,yet ! b>ri]s ( a   
/range tongue & a /range religion1 & (  
ways caus$ by ano!r climate ?an ours1 is
 s great t1 ev5 to ^? ( u :o h e wi% & e
 opportunity to und]/&1 x seems         
sometimes z if we %\ld nev] "k _! he>ts4
 ,x seems z if we %\ld nev] le>n m ( _! 
ways ?an j ! outside--t curi\sly v>i$   

outside :i* is s deceptive1 & :i* is s  
apt to prev5t our und]/&+ t !y are m5 j 
z we are1 & n /range creations f "s     
f>-away planet4  ,s :5 ,i settl$ d[n &  
s\ght to "k m ( ! mean+ ( :at ,i _h se51
 ,i ?\ght t fir/ ( all ,i mu/ le>n      
some:at ( _! religion1 ( t ma9spr+ ( _m 
actions1 :i* seem$ sometimes admirable1 
sometimes ! rev]se1 & ne>ly always =eign
 to my ideas4 ,x is true t ,i knew !y 7 
,buddhi/s1 t ,i recogniz$ ! yell[-rob$  
monks z foll[]s ( ! ^w ( ,gaudama !     
,buddha1 & t ,i _h a g5]al acqua9tance )
 ! !ory ( _! fai? z pick$ up f a book or
 two--notably1 ,rhys ,davids'           
',buddhism' & ,bi%op ,big&et's book--& f
 _m inconsequ5t talks ) ! monks & o!rs4 
,b ! k 0 b sup]ficial1 & ,i 0 pa9fully  
aw>e t x did n expla9 mu* t ,i _h se5 & 
t ,i saw e day4  ,s ,i s5t = m books1   
su* books z _h be5 publi%$ 9 ,engli%1 & 
,i /udi$ !m1 & hop$ !reby to atta9 !    
explanations ,i want$2 & z ,i /udi$1 ,i 
wat*$ z ,i c\ld ! do+s ( ! p1 t ,i might
 see ! effects ( causes & ! results (   

beliefs4 ,i read 9 ^! sacr$ books ( !   
my/]y ( ,dh>ma1 ( h[ a man has no s\l1  
no consci\sness aft] dea?2 t to !       
,buddhi/ 'dead m5 rise up nev]1' & t ^? 
:o g d[n to ! grave are kn[n no m4 ,i   
read t all t survives is ! effect ( a   
man's actions1 ! evil effect1 = good is 
m]ely negative1 & t ?is is :at causes   
pa9 & tr\ble to ! next life4 ,ev]y?+    
*anges1 say ! sacr$ books1 no?+ la/s ev5
 = a mom5t4 ,x w be1 & x has be51 is !  
life ( man4 ,! life t lives tomorr[ 9 ! 
next inc>nation is no m ! life t di$ 9 !
 la/ ?an ! flame we light 9 ! lamp      
to-day is ! same t w5t out ye/]night4 ,x
 is z if a /one 7 ?r[n into a pool--t is
 ! life1 ! spla% ( ! /one2 all t rema9s1
 :5 ! /one lies re/+ 9 ! mud & we$s bel[
 ! wat]s ( =getfulness1 are ! circles   
ev] wid5+ on ! surface1 & ! ripples nev]
 dy+1 b only spread+ f>!r & f>!r away4  
,all ?is seem$ to me a my/]y su* z ,i   
c\ld n und]/&4 ,b :5 ,i w5t to ! p1 ,i  
f\nd t x 0 simple en\gh to !m2 = ,i f\nd
 t !y rememb]$ _! =m] lives (t51 t      

*ildr51 "y *ildr51 c\ld tell :o !y 7    
be=e !y di$1 & rememb] details ( t =m]  
exi/5ce4 ,z !y grew old] ! remembrance  
grew fa9t] & fa9t]1 & at l5g? almo/ di$ 
away4 ,b 9 _m *ildr5 x 0 q fre%1 & 0    
believ$ 9 beyond possibility ( a d\bt by
 all ! p4 ,s ,i saw t ! tea*+s ( _!     
sacr$ books & ! ?\ghts ( ! p 7 n at "o 9
 ?is matt]4  ,aga91 ,i read t !re 0 no  
,god4 ,nats !re 71 spirits ( great p[] l
 angels1 & !re 0 ! ,buddha 7! j man made
 p]fect71 :o _h work$ out = all m5 ! way
 to rea* surcease f evil2 b ( ,god ,i   
saw no?+4 ,& because ! ,buddha _h rea*$ 
heav5 7,nirvana71 x w\ld be useless to  
pray to him4 ,=1 hav+ ent]$ into 8      
p]fect re/1 he c\ld n be di/urb$ by !   
%>p cry ( ^? suff]+ bel[2 & if he he>d1 
/ill he c\ld n help2 = ea* man mu/ ?r\gh
 pa9 & sorr[ "w out = himself 8 own     
salvation4 ,s all pray] is futile4  ,!n 
,i rememb]$ ,i _h se5 ! "y "m go+ to !  
pagoda on ! hilltop ) a little (f]+ ( a 
few roses or an or*id spray1 & p\r+ out 
h] s\l 9 passionate supplication to     

,someone--,someone unkn[n to h] sacr$   
books--t h] fir/born might recov] ( 8   
fev]1 & be to h] once m ! measureless   
delight ( h] life2 & x w\ld seem to me t
 %e mu/ believe 9 a ,god & 9 pray] aft] 
all4  ,s ?\gh ,i f\nd mu* 9 ^! books t 0
 believ$ by ! p1 & mu* t 0 to !m ! guid+
 influ5ce ( _! lives1 yet ,i 0 unable to
 tru/ to !m altoge!r1 & ,i 0 9 d\bt :]e 
to seek = ! real beliefs ( ^! p4 ,if ,i 
w5t to _! monks1 _! holy m51 ! foll[]s (
 ! great tea*]1 ,gaudama1 !y ref]r$ me  
to _! books z conta9+ all t a ,buddhi/  
believ$2 & :5 ,i po9t$ out !            
discrepancies1 !y only %ook _! heads1 & 
said t ! p 7 an ignorant p & confus$ _! 
beliefs 9 t way4  ,& :5 ,i ask$ :at 0 a 
,buddhi/1 ,i 0 told t1 to be a ,buddhi/1
 a man mu/ be accept$ into ! religion ) 
c]ta9 rites1 c]ta9 c]emonies1 he mu/    
become = a "t a memb] ( ! community ( ! 
monks ( ! ,buddha1 & t a ,buddhi/ 0 he  
:o 0 s accept$1 & :o !reaft] held by !  
tea*+s ( ! ,buddha4  ,b :5 ,i se>*$ !   
life ( ! ,buddha1 ,i c\ld n f9d any su* 

c]emonies necess>y at all4 ,s t x seem$ 
t ! religion ( ! ,buddha 0 "o religion1 
& ! religion ( ! ,buddhi/s ano!r2 b :5  
,i said s to ! monks1 !y 7 horror-/ruck1
 & said t x 0 because ,i did n und]/&4  
,9 my p]plexity ,i fell back1 z we all  
mu/1 to my own ?\ghts & ^? ( my own p2 &
 ,i tri$ to imag9e h[ a ,burman w\ld act
 if he came to ,engl& to se>* into !    
religion ( ! ,engli% & to "k ! impulses 
( our lives4  ,i saw h[ he w\ld be s5t  
to ! ,bible z ! s\rce ( our religion1 h[
 he w\ld be told to /udy t if he w\ld "k
 :at we believ$ & :at we did n--:at x 0 
t gave col\r to our lives4 ,i foll[$ him
 9 imag9ation z he took ! ,bible & /udi$
 x1 & !n w5t =? & wat*$ our acts1 & ,i  
c\ld see him puzzl$1 z ,i 0 n[ puzzl$ :5
 ,i /udi$ 8 p4  ,i ?\ght ( him read+ !  
,new ,te/am5t1 & h[ he w\ld come to ^!  
v]ses3  '#bg4 ,b ,i say unto y :i* he>1 
,love y\r enemies1 d good to !m :i* hate
 y1  '#bh4 ,bless !m t curse y1 & pray =
 !m :i* despitefully use y4  '#bi4 ,&   
unto him t smite? !e on ! "o *eek (f]   

also ! o!r2 & him t take? away ?y cloke 
=bid him n to take ?y coat also4  '#cj4 
,give to e man t aske? ( !e2 & ( him t  
take? away ?y goods ask !m n aga94'  ,he
 w\ld read !m aga9 & aga91 ^! wond]ful  
v]ses1 t he 0 told ! p & ,*ur* believ$1 
& !n he w\ld g =? to obs]ve ! result (  
?is belief4 ,& :at w\ld he see8 ,he w\ld
 see ?is3 ,a nation pr\d & rev5geful1   
glory+ 9 h] victories1 always at w>1 a  
conqu]or ( o!r peoples1 a mighty hat] ( 
h] enemies4 ,he w\ld f9d t 9 ! public   
life ( ! nation ) o!r nations !re 0 no  
?\ght ( ?is comm&4 ,he w\ld f9d1 too1 9 
h] inn] life1 t ! man :o took a cloak 0 
n =giv51 b 0 t]ribly puni%$--he us$ to  
be hang$4 ,he w\ld f9d---- ,b ne$ ,i say
 :at he w\ld f9d8 ,^? :o w read ?is are 
^? v p--!y "k4 ,& ! ,burman w\ld say at 
l5g? to himself1 ,c ?is be ! belief (   
?is p at all8 ,:atev] _! ,book may say1 
!y d n ?9k t x is good to humble y\rself
 to y\r enemies--nay1 b to /rike h>d    
back4 ,x is n good to let ! wrong-do] g 
free4 ,!y ?9k ! be/ way to /op crime is 

to puni% sev]ely4 ,^? are _! acts2 !    
,book1 !y say1 is _! belief4 ,c\ld !y   
act "o ?+ & believe ano!r8 ,truly1 are  
^! _! beliefs8  ,&1 aga91 he w\ld read  
h[ t ri*es are an (f5ce to righte\sness3
 h>dly %all a ri* man ent] into ! k+dom 
( ,god4 ,he w\ld read h[ ! ,tea*] liv$ !
 life ( ! poore/ among u1 & taught      
always t ri*es 7 to be avoid$4  ,& !n he
 w\ld g =? & obs]ve a p daily fight+ &  
/ruggl+ to add field to field1 co9 to   
co91 till dea? comes & ends ! fight4 ,he
 w\ld see ev]y:]e weal? held 9 great    
e/imation2 he w\ld see ! v *ildr5 urg$  
to d well1 to make money1 to /ruggle1 to
 rise 9 ! _w4 ,he w\ld see ! lives ( m5 
:o h become ri* held up z examples to be
 foll[$4 ,he w\ld see ! m9i/]s :o taught
 ! ,book ) fair incomes rank+ !mselves1 
n ) ! poor1 b ) ! middle classes2 he    
w\ld see ! dignit>ies ( ! ,*ur*--! m5 :o
 lead ! way to heav5--among ! weal?y ( !
 l&4 ,& he w\ld wond]4 ,is x true1 he   
w\ld say to himself1 t ^! p believe t   
ri*es are an evil ?+8 ,:5ce1 !n1 come _!

 acts1 = _! acts seem to %[ t !y hold   
ri*es to be a good ?+8 ,:at is to be    
accept$ z _! belief3 ! ,book !y say !y  
believe1 :i* condemns ri*es1 or _! acts1
 by :i* !y %[ t !y hold t weal? is a    
good ?+--ay1 & if us$ accord+ to _!     
ideas ( "r1 a v good ?+ inde$8  ,s1 x   
seem$ to me1 w\ld a ,burman be puzzl$ if
 he came to u to f9d out our belief2 & z
 ! ,burman's difficulty 9 ,engl& 01     
mutatis mut&is1 m9e 9 ,burma1 ,i set to 
"w to ?9k ! matt] out4 ,h[ 7 ! beliefs (
 a p to be kn[n1 & :y %\ld !re be su*   
difficulties 9 ! way8 ,if ,i c\ld und]/&
 h[ x 0 ) u1 x might help me to "k h[ x 
0 ) !m4  ,& ,i h ?\ght t ! difficulty   
arises f ! fact t !re are two ways (    
see+ a religion--f )9 & f )\t--& t ^!   
are z diff]5t z c possibly be4 ,x is    
because we =get !re are ! two /&po9ts t 
we fall into error4  ,9 e religion1 to !
 believ]s 9 x1 ! cr[n & glory ( _! cre$ 
is t x is a revelation ( tru?1 a lift+ (
 ! veil1 beh9d :i* e man born into ?is  
my/]y desires to look4  ,!y are sure1 ^!

 believ]s1 t !y h ! tru?1 t !y alone h !
 tru?1 & t x has come direct f :]e alone
 tru? c live4 ,!y believe t 9 _!        
religion alone lies safety = man f !    
tr\bles ( ?is _w & f ! t]rors & ?reats (
 ! next1 & t ^? alone :o foll[ its tea*+
 w rea* happ9ess h]eaft]1 if n "h4 ,!y  
believe1 too1 t ?is tru? only requires  
to be kn[n to be und]/ood & accept$ (   
all m52 t z ! sun requires no witness ( 
its w>m?1 s ! tru? requires no evid5ce (
 its tru?4  ,x is to !m s et]nally true1
 s mat*less 9 beauty1 s conv9c+ 9       
itself1 t adh]5ts ( all o!r cre$s h b to
 he> x pron\nc$ & !y mu/ believe4 ,s1   
!n1 ! "q1 ,h[ d y "k t y\r fai? is true8
 is z va9 & fooli% z ! cry ( ! w9d 9 an 
empty h\se4 ,& if !y be ask$ :]e9 lies  
_! religion1 !y w produce _! sacr$      
books1 & decl>e t 9 !m is conta9$ ! :ole
 matt]4 ,"h is ! v ^w ( tru?1 h]e9 is   
told ! mean+ ( all ?+s1 h]e9 alone lies 
righte\sness4 ,?is1 !y say1 is _! fai?3 
t !y believe 9 e l9e ( x1 ?is tru? f    
ev]la/+ to ev]la/+1 & t its precepts1 & 

none o!r1 c be held by him :o seeks to  
be a s9c]e believ]4 ,& to ^! believ]s ! 
manife/ation ( _! fai? is t its believ]s
 atta9 salvation h]eaft]4 ,b z t is 9 ! 
next _w1 if ! unbeliev] ask :at is !    
manife/ation 9 ?is1 ! believ]s w answ]  
him t ! true m>k & sign :]eby a man may 
be kn[n to hold ! tru? is ! obs]vance ( 
c]ta9 =ms1 ! p]=mance ( c]ta9 c]emonies1
 m or less my/ical1 m or less           
symbolical1 ( "s esot]ic mean+4 ,t a man
 %\ld be baptiz$1 %\ld we> c]ta9 m>ks on
 8 =ehead1 %\ld be accept$ ) c]ta9      
rites1 is g5]ally ! outw>d & visible    
sign ( a believ]1 & ! badge :]eby o!rs (
 ! same fai? h kn[n _! fell[s4  ,x has  
nev] be5 possible = any religion to make
 ! acts & de$s ( its foll[]s ! te/ ( _! 
belief4 ,& = ^! reasons3 t x is a te/ no
 "o c\ld apply1 & t if anyone 7 to      
attempt to apply x1 !re w\ld soon be no 
,*ur* at all4 ,= to no "o is x giv5 to  
be able to obs]ve 9 _! entirety all !   
precepts ( _! prophet1 :oev] t prophet  
may be4 ,all mu/ fail1 "s m & "s less1 b

 g5]ally m1 & ?us all w\ld fall f ! fai?
 at "s "t or ano!r1 & !re w\ld be no    
,*ur* left4 ,& s ano!r te/ has be5 made 
necess>y4 ,if f 8 weakness a man _c keep
 ^! precepts1 yet he c decl>e 8 belief 9
 & 8 desire to keep !m1 & "h is a te/ t 
c be appli$4 ,c]ta9 rites h be5         
in/itut$1 & x has be5 laid d[n t ^? :o  
by _! submission to ^! rites %[ _!      
belief 9 ! tru? & _! desire to foll[ t  
tru? z f> z 9 !m lies1 %all be call$ !  
foll[]s ( ! fai?4 ,s 9 "t x has come    
ab\t t ^! c]emonial rites h be5 held to 
be ! true & only sign ( ! believ]1 & !  
fact t !y 7 b to be ! e>ne/ ( ! beg9n+ &
 liv+ ( a new life has become less &    
less rememb]$1 till x has fad$ into     
no?+ness4 ,in/ead ( ! life be+ ! ma9 ?+1
 & be+ absolutely necess>y to give value
 & emphasis to ! belief1 x has come to  
pass t x is ! belief1 & ! acceptance ( !
 belief1 t has be5 held to hall[ ! life 
& excuse & palliate its errors4  ,?us ( 
e religion is ?is true1 t its ess5ce is 
a belief t c]ta9 doctr9es are           

revelations ( et]nal tru?1 & t ! fruit (
 ?is tru? is ! obs]vance ( c]ta9 =ms4   
,morality & works may or may n foll[1 b 
!y are immat]ial comp>$ ) ! o!r4 ,?is1  
put %ortly1 is ! view ( e believ]4  ,b  
to him :o does n believe 9 a fai?1 :o   
views x f )\t1 f ! /&po9t ( ano!r fai?1 
! :ole view is *ang$1 ! :ole p]spective 
alt]$4 ,^? l&m>ks :i* to "o )9 ! circle 
seem to /& out & ov]top ! _w are to !   
eyes ( him )\t dw>f$ (t5 into           
insignificance1 & o!r po9ts rise into   
importance4  ,= ! outsid] judges a      
religion z he judges ev]y?+ else 9 ?is  
_w4 ,he _c beg9 by accept+ x z ! only   
revelation ( tru?2 he _c proce$ f !     
unkn[n to ! kn[n1 b ! rev]se4 ,fir/ (   
all1 he tries to le>n :at ! beliefs ( ! 
p really are1 & !n he judges f _! lives 
:at value ?is religion has to !m4 ,he   
looks to acts z pro(s ( beliefs1 to     
lives z ! ultimate effects ( ?\ghts4 ,& 
he f9ds out v quickly t ! sacr$ books ( 
a p c nev] be tak5 z %[+ m ?an          
approximately _! real beliefs4 ,always  

?r\gh ! embroid]y ( ! new cre$ he w f9d 
! f\ndation ( an old] fai?1 ( old]      
fai?s1 p]haps1 & bel[ ^!1 aga91 o!r     
beliefs t seem to be "p ( no sy/em1 b to
 be ! outcome ( ! great fe> t is 9 ! _w4
  ,! m he se>*es1 ! m he w be sure t !re
 is only "o guide to a man's fai?1 to 8 
s\l1 & t is n any book or sy/em he may  
pr(ess to believe1 b ! real sy/em t he  
foll[s--t is to say1 t a man's beliefs c
 be kn[n ev5 to himself f 8 acts only4  
,= x is futile to say t a man believes 9
 "o ?+ & does ano!r4 ,t is n a belief at
 all4 ,a man may *eat himself1 & say x  
is1 b 9 8 he>t he kn[s t x is n4 ,a     
belief is n a proposition to be ass5t$  
to1 & !n put away & =gott54 ,x is always
 9 our m9ds1 & = ev] 9 our ?\ghts4 ,x   
guides our e action1 x col\rs our :ole  
life4 ,x is n = a day1 b = ev]4 ,:5 we h
 le>nt t a cobra's bite is dea?1 we d n 
put ! belief away 9 a pigeon-hole ( our 
m9ds1 !re to ru/ = ev] unus$1 nor d we g
 /raightway & pick up ! fir/ deadly     
snake t we see4 ,we rememb] x always2 we

 keep x z a guid+ pr9ciple ( our daily  
lives4  ,a belief is a /r& 9 ! cord (   
our lives1 t runs ?r\gh e fa?om ( x1 f !
 "t t x is fir/ twi/$ among ! o!rs till 
! "t :5 t life %all end4 ,& z x is ?us  
impossible = ! onlook] to accept f      
adh]5ts ( a cre$ a def9ition ( :at !y   
really believe1 s x is impossible = him 
to ackn[l$ge ! =ms & c]emonies ( :i* !y 
speak z ! real manife/ations ( _! cre$4 
,x seems to ! onlook] indiff]5t t m5    
%\ld be dipp$ 9 wat] or n1 t !y %\ld h  
_! heads %av$ or we> long hair4 ,any    
belief t is wor? consid]+ at all mu/ h  
results m important to its believ]s1 m  
valuable to mank9d1 ?an su* signs z ^!4 
,x is true t ( ! great sign ( all1 t !  
foll[]s ( a cre$ atta9 heav5 h]eaft]1 he
 _c judge4 ,he c only tell ( :at he     
sees4 ,?is may or may n be true2 b      
surely1 if x be true1 !re mu/ be "s sign
 ( x "h on e>? beyond =ms4 ,a religion t
 fits a s\l = ! h]eaft] w surely beg9 by
 fitt+ x = ! pres5t1 he w ?9k4 ,& x w %[
 t x does s o!rwise ?an by c]emonies4   

,= =ms & c]emonies t h no fruit 9 action
 are n m>ks ( a liv+ tru?1 b ( a dead   
dogma4 ,!re is b little ?\ght ( =ms to  
him ^: he>t is full ( ! tea*+ ( 8 ,ma/]1
 :o has ,8 words )9 8 he>t1 & ^: s\l is 
full ( ,8 love4 ,x is :5 beliefs die1 & 
love has fad$ into indiff]5ce1 t =ms are
 necess>y1 = to ! liv+ no monum5t is    
ne$$1 b to ! dead4 ,=ms & c]emonies are 
b ! tombs ( dead tru?s1 put up to _!    
memory to recall to ^? :o h nev] kn[n !m
 t !y liv$--& di$--long ago4  ,& because
 m5 d n seek = signs ( ! liv+ among !   
gravey>ds ( ! dead1 s x is n among !    
c]emonies ( religions t we %all f9d !   
manife/ations ( liv+ beliefs4  ,x is f !
 /&po9t ( ?is outsid] t ,i h look$ at & 
tri$ to und]/& ! s\l ( ! ,burmese p4 ,:5
 ,i h read or he>d ( a tea*+ (          
,buddhism1 ,i h always tak5 x to ! te/ (
 ! daily life ( ! p to see :e!r x 0 a   
liv+ belief or no4 ,i h accept$ j s mu* 
z ,i c\ld f9d ! p h accept$1 su* z !y h 
tak5 into _! he>ts to be ) !m = ev]4 ,a 
tea*+ t has be5 b a tea*+ or !ory1 a va9

 brea? ( m5tal ass5t1 has seem$ to me ( 
no value at all4 ,! guid+ pr9ciples ( _!
 lives1 :e!r 9 accordance ) ! tea*+ (   
,buddhism or n1 ^! only h seem$ to me   
wor?y ( inquiry or und]/&+4 ,:at ,i h   
desir$ to "k is n _! m9ds1 b _! s\ls4 ,&
 z ?is te/ ( m9e has oblig$ me to omit  
mu* t w be f\nd among ! dogmas (        
,buddhism1 s x has l$ me to accept _m   
?+s t h no place !re at all4 ,= ,i h    
?\ght t :at /irs ! he>t ( man is 8      
religion1 :e!r he calls x religion or n4
 ,t :i* makes ! he>t beat & ! brea? come
 quick]1 love & hate1 & joy & sorr[--t  
has be5 to me z wor?y ( record z 8 hopes
 ( a future life4 ,! ?\ghts t come into 
! m9d ( ! pl\ghman :ile he leads 8 team 
afield 9 ! gold5 glory ( ! dawn2 !      
dreams t swell & move 9 ! he>t ( ! woman
 :5 %e kn[s ! great my/]y ( a new life2 
:i!r ! dy+ man's hopes & fe>s are l$--^!
 h seem$ to me ! religion ( ! p z well z
 doctr9es ( ! unkn[n4 ,= are n ^!1 too1 
( ! v s\l ( ! p8     ,,*apt] ,,ii  ,,he 
,,:o ,,f\nd ,,! ,,light--,i       ',he  

:o po9t$ out ! way to ^? t _h lo/ x4'   
,life ( ! ,buddha4   ,! life-/ory (     
,pr9ce ,!idda?a1 :o saw ! light & became
 ! ,buddha tw5ty-five c5turies ago1 has 
be5 told 9 ,engli% _m times4 ,x has be5 
told 9 translations f ! ,pali1 f        
,burmese1 & f ,*9ese1 & n[ ev]yone has  
read x4 ,! writ]s1 too1 ( ^! books h be5
 m5 ( great atta9m5ts1 ( untir+ indu/ry 
9 se>*+ out all t c be kn[n ( ?is life1 
( gifts su* z ,i _c aspire to4 ,!re is  
n[ no?+ new to le>n ( ^? long pa/ days1 
no?+ fre% = me to tell1 no discov]y t c 
be made4 ,yet 9 ?9k+ out :at ,i h to say
 ab\t ! religion ( ! ,burmese1 ,i h f\nd
 t ,i mu/ tell aga9 "s ( ! life ( !     
,buddha1 ,i mu/ rewrite ?is             
t5-times-told tale1 ( :i* ,i "k no?+    
new4 ,& ! reason is ?is3 t al?\gh ,i "k 
no?+ t previ\s writ]s h n kn[n1 al?\gh  
,i _c br+ to ! task any?+ l _! k1 yet ,i
 h some?+ to say t !y h n said4 ,= !y h 
writt5 ( him z !y h le>n$ f books1 :]eas
 ,i want to write ( him z ,i h le>n$ f  
m54 ,_! k has be5 tak5 f ! records ( !  

dead pa/1 :]eas m9e is f ! actualities (
 ! liv+ pres5t4  ,i d n mean t ! ,buddha
 ( ! sacr$ books & ! ,buddha ( !        
,burman's belief are diff]5t p]sons4 ,!y
 are ! same4 ,b z ,i f\nd x ) _! fai?1 s
 ,i f9d x ) ! life ( _! tea*]4 ,!       
,burmese reg>d ! life ( ! ,buddha f q a 
diff]5t /&po9t to t ( an outsid]1 & s x 
has to !m q a diff]5t value1 q a diff]5t
 mean+1 to t :i* x has to ! /ud5t (     
hi/ory4 ,= to ! writ] :o /udies ! life (
 ! ,buddha ) a view m]ely to le>n :at t 
life 01 & to criticise x1 ev]y?+ is v   
diff]5t to :at x is to ! ,buddhi/ :o    
/udies t life because he loves x &      
admires x1 & because he desires to foll[
 x4 ,to ! =m] ! :ole detail ( e portion 
( ! life ( ! ,buddha1 e ^w ( 8 tea*+1 e 
act ( 8 m9i/ry1 is s\ght out & comp>$ & 
consid]$4 ,leg5d is comp>$ ) leg5d1 &   
tradition ) tradition1 t out ( _m       
au?orities "s clue to ! actual fact may 
be f\nd4 ,b to ! ,buddhi/ ! important   
p>ts 9 ! great tea*]'s life are ^? acts1
 ^? words1 t appeal directly to him1 t  

/& out bravely1 lit ) ! light ( 8 own   
exp]i5ces & feel+s1 t assi/ him 9 liv+ 8
 own life4 ,8 ,buddha is ! ,buddha he   
und]/&s1 & :o und]/ood & sympa?iz$ ) su*
 z him4 ,o!r ?+s may be true1 b !y are  
matt]s ( indiff]5ce4  ,to he> ( !       
,buddha f liv+ lips 9 ?is c\ntry1 :i* is
 full ( 8 influ5ce1 :]e ! spire ( 8     
mona/]y m>ks e village1 & :]e e man has 
at "o "t or ano!r be5 8 monk1 is q a    
diff]5t ?+ to read+ ( him 9 f> c\ntries1
 "u o!r skies & sway$ by o!r ?\ghts4 ,to
 sit 9 ! mona/]y g>d5 9 ! dusk1 9 j su* 
a tropic dusk z he taught 9 s _m ye>s   
ago1 & he> ! yell[-rob$ monk tell ( t   
life1 & repeat 8 tea*+ ( love1 & *>ity1 
& compassion--et]nal love1 p]fect *>ity1
 endless compassion--until ! />s come   
out 9 ! purple sky1 & ! silv]-voic$     
gongs r+ = ev5+ pray]s1 is a ?+ nev] to 
be =gott54 ,z y wat* ! />light die & !  
f>-(f hills fade into ! night1 z ! s\nds
 ab\t y /ill1 & ! calm sil5ce ( ! summ] 
night falls ov] ! :ole e>?1 y "k &      
und]/& ! tea*] ( ! ,great ,peace z no   

words c tell y4 ,a sympa?y comes to y f 
! circle ( believ]s1 & y believe1 too4  
,an influ5ce & an und]/&+ brea!s f !    
nature ab\t y--! same nature t ! tea*]  
saw--f ! :isp]+ fig-trees & ! sc5t$     
*ampaks1 & ! dimly se5 /atues 9 ! %ad[s 
( ! %r9es1 t y c nev] ga9 else:]e4 ,& z 
! monks tell y ! /ory ( t great life1 !y
 br+ x home to y ) reflection & comm5t1 
) application to y\r ev]yday exi/5ce1   
till y =get t he ( :om !y speak liv$ s  
long ago1 s v long ago1 & y\r he>t is   
fill$ ) sorr[ :5 y rememb] t he is dead1
 t he is ent]$ into 8 peace4  ,i d n    
hope t ,i c convey mu* ( ?is 9 my writ+4
 ,i always feel ! hopelessness ( try+ to
 put on pap] ! great ?\ghts1 ! int5se   
feel+1 ( :i* ,buddhism is s full4 ,b    
/ill ,i c1 p]haps1 give some?+ ( ?is    
life z ,i h he>d x1 make x a little m   
liv+ ?an x has be5 to u1 cat* "s little 
( t _s ( sympa?y t x holds = all ! _w4  
,ar\nd ! life ( ! ,buddha has ga!r$ mu* 
my?1 l du/ ^u an anci5t /atue1 l %ad[s  
^u ! m\nta9s f> away1 blurr+ detail "h &

 !re1 & hid+ ! beauty4 ,!re are all     
sorts ( /ories ( ! great port5ts t      
=etold 8 com+3 h[ ! sun & ! />s knew1 & 
h[ ! wise m5 prophesi$4 ,m>vels att5d$ 8
 bir?1 & miracles foll[$ him 9 life & 9 
dea?4 ,& ! appe>ance ( ! miracul\s has  
ev5 be5 height5$ by ! /yle ( ! *ronicl]s
 9 tell+ u ( 8 m5tal conflicts3 by !    
p]sonification ( evil 9 ! _s ,man1 & (  
desire 9 8 ?ree beautiful daught]s4     
,all ! tea*]'s ?\ghts1 all 8 /ruggles1  
are mat]ializ$ into =ms1 t !y may be m  
readily br\ght home to ! read]1 t !y may
 be m cle>ly realiz$ by a primitive p z 
actual conflicts4  ,!re=e at fir/ sight 
x seems t ( all cre$s none is s full (  
miracle1 s teem+ ) ! sup]natural1 z     
,buddhism1 :i* is1 inde$1 ! v rev]se ( !
 tru?4 ,= to ! sup]natural ,buddhism    
owes no?+ at all4 ,x is 9 its v ess5ce  
oppos$ to all t goes beyond :at we c see
 ( e>?ly laws1 & miracle is nev] us$ z  
evid5ce ( ! tru? ( any dogma or ( any   
doctr9e4  ,if e sup]natural occurr5ce 7 
wip$ clean out ( ! *ronicles ( ! fai?1  

,buddhism w\ld1 ev5 to ! lea/ und]/&+ ( 
its foll[]s1 rema9 exactly :]e x is4 ,n 
9 "o jot or tittle w\ld x suff] 9 !     
au?ority ( its tea*+4 ,! great figure ( 
! tea*] w\ld ev5 ga9 7 all ! t9sel ( !  
miracul\s swept f him1 s t he /ood =? to
 ! _w z he liv$--w\ld ga9 n only to our 
eyes1 b ev5 to !irs :o believe 9 him4 ,=
 ! ,buddha 0 no prophet4 ,he 0 no       
mess5g] f any p[] above ?is _w1 reveal+ 
laws ( t p[]4 ,no "o came to :isp] into 
8 e> ! secrets ( et]nity1 & to %[ him   
:]e tru? liv$4 ,9 no trance1 9 no       
vision1 did he ent] into ! pres5ce ( !  
,unkn[n1 & return f !nce full ( ! wisdom
 ( ano!r _w2 nei!r did he tea* ! wor%ip 
( any god1 ( any p[]4 ,he brea!d no     
?reat5+s ( rev5ge = disob$i5ce1 (       
=giv5ess = ! p5it5t4 ,he held out no    
ev]la/+ hell to ^? :o refus$ to foll[   
him1 no easily ga9$ heav5 to 8 believ]s4
  ,he w5t out to seek wisdom1 z _m a "o 
has done1 look+ = ! laws ( ,god ) cle>  
eyes to see1 ) a pure he>t to und]/&1 & 
aft] _m tr\bles1 aft] _m mi/akes1 aft]  

mu* suff]+1 he came at la/ to ! tru?4   
,ev5 z ,newton s\ght = ! laws ( ,god 9 !
 movem5t ( ! />s1 9 ! fall+ ( a /one1 9 
! /ir ( ! great wat]s1 s ?is ,newton ( !
 spiritual _w s\ght = ! secrets ( life &
 dea?1 look+ deep into ! he>t ( man1    
m>k+ its toil1 its suff]+1 its little   
joys1 ) a s\l attun$ to cat* e quiv] ( !
 life ( ! _w4 ,& z to ,newton tru? did n
 come spontane\sly1 did n reveal itself 
to him at 8 fir/ call1 b _h to be s\ght 
) toil & we>9ess1 till at la/ he rea*$ x
 :]e x hid 9 ! he>t ( all ?+s1 s x 0 ) !
 pr9ce4 ,he 0 n born ) ! k 9 him1 b _h  
to seek x z e o!r man has done4 ,he made
 mi/akes z o!r m5 d4 ,he wa/$ "t & lab\r
 foll[+ wrong roads1 demon/rat+ to      
himself ! fooli%ness ( _m ?\ghts4 ,b1   
nev] disc\rag$1 he s\ght on till he     
f\nd1 & :at he f\nd he gave z a h]itage 
to all m5 = ev]1 t ! way might be easi] 
= !m ?an x _h be5 = him4  ,no?+ is m    
cle> ?an ?is3 t to ! ,buddhi/ 8 tea*] 0 
b a man l himself1 err+ & weak1 :o made 
himself p]fect1 & t ev5 z 8 tea*] has   

done1 s1 too1 may he if he d b obs]ve ! 
ev]la/+ laws ( life :i* ! ,buddha has   
%[n to ! _w4 ,^! laws are z immutable z 
,newton's laws1 & come1 l 81 f beyond   
our k54  ,& ?is1 too1 is ano!r po9t :]e9
 ! p>allel ) ,newton w help u3 t j z :5 
,newton discov]$ gravitation he 0 oblig$
 to /op1 = 8 k ( t did n lead him at    
once to ! k ( ! inf9ite1 s :5 he _h     
atta9$ ! laws ( righte\sness1 ,gaudama !
 ,buddha also /opp$1 because "h 8       
/&+-gr\nd fail$4 ,x is n true1 t :i* has
 be5 imput$ to ! ,buddha by ^? :o h nev]
 tri$ to und]/& him--t he d5i$ "s p[]   
great] ?an ourselves2 t because he nev] 
tri$ to def9e ! indef9ite1 to conf9e !  
inf9ite )9 ! corn]s ( a phrase1 !re=e 8 
cre$ 0 mat]iali/ic4 ,we d n say (       
,newton t he 0 an a!i/ because :5 he    
taught u ( gravity he did n g fur!r &   
def9e to u 9 equations ,him :o made     
gravity2 & z we und]/& m ( ! ,buddha1 z 
we se>* into life & consid] 8 tea*+1 z  
we try to ?9k z he ?\ght1 & to see z he 
saw1 we und]/& t he /opp$ z ,newton     

/opp$1 because he _h come to ! end ( all
 t he c\ld see1 n because he decl>$ t he
 knew all ?+s1 & t beyond 8 k !re 0     
no?+4  ,no tea*] m full ( rev]5ce1 m    
humble ?an ,gaudama ! ,buddha ev] liv$  
to be an example to u ?r\gh all "t4 ,he 
tells u ( :at he kn[s2 ( :at he kn[s n  
he is sil5t4 ,( ! laws t he c see1 !    
great sequ5ces ( life to dea?1 ( evil to
 sorr[1 ( goodness to happ9ess1 he tells
 9 burn+ words4 ,( ! beg9n+ & ! end ( ! 
_w1 ( ! int5tions & ! ways ( ! great    
,unkn[n1 he tells u no?+ at all4 ,he is 
no prophet1 z we und]/& ! ^w1 b a man2 &
 all t is div9e 9 him beyond :at !re is 
9 u is t he hat$ ! d>kness & s\ght !    
light1 s\ght & 0 n dismay$1 & at la/ he 
f\nd4  ,& yet no?+ c\ld be fur!r f !    
tru? ?an to call ! ,buddha a philosoph] 
& ,buddhism a philosophy4 ,:atev] he 01 
he 0 no philosoph]4 ,al?\gh he knew n   
any god1 al?\gh he re/$ 8 claims to be  
he>d ^u ! fact t 8 tea*+s 7 cle> &      
und]/&able1 t y 7 n requir$ to believe1 
b only to op5 y\r eyes & see1 & '8      

delight 0 9 ! contemplation ( uncl\d$   
tru?1' yet he 0 f> f a philosoph]4 ,8 0 
n an appeal to our reason1 to our p[] ( 
putt+ two & two toge!r & mak+ five ( !m2
 8 tea*+s 7 no curi\s designs wov5 )    
words1 ! c\nt]s ( 8 ?\ght4 ,he appeal$  
to ! he>t1 n to ! bra92 to our feel+s1 n
 to our p[] ( arrang+ ^! feel+s4 ,he    
drew m5 to him by love & rev]5ce1 & held
 !m s = ev]4 ,love & *>ity & compassion1
 endless compassion1 are ! f\ndations ( 
8 tea*+s2 & 8 foll[]s believe 9 him     
because !y h se5 9 him ! j man made     
p]fect1 & because he has %[n to !m ! way
 9 :i* all m5 may become ev5 z he is4   
,he 0 a pr9ce 9 a little k+dom 9 !      
,nor!a/ ( ,india1 ! son ( ,k+ ,?udoodana
 & 8 wife ,maia4 ,he 0 /rong1 we are    
told1 & h&some1 fam\s 9 a?letic         
ex]cises1 & 8 fa!r look$ =w>d to ! "t :5
 he %\ld be gr[n a great man1 & a lead] 
( armies4 ,8 fa!r's ambition = him 0 t  
he %\ld be a great conqu]or1 t he %\ld  
lead 8 troops aga9/ ! neighb\r+ k+s &   
ov]come !m1 & 9 "t make = himself a     

wide-/ret*+ empire4 ,india 0 9 ^? days1 
z 9 _m lat] ones1 split up into little  
k+doms1 divid$ f ea* o!r by no natural  
b\nd>y1 ov]look$ by no sov]eign p[]1 &  
always at w>4 ,& ! k+1 z fa!rs are1 0   
full ( dreams t ?is son ( 8 %\ld subdue 
all ,india to himself1 & be ! glory ( 8 
dyna/y1 & ! f\nd] ( a great race4       
,ev]y?+ seem$ to fall 9 ) ! desire ( !  
k+4 ,! pr9ce grew up /rong & valiant1   
skill$ 9 action1 wise 9 c\nsel1 s t all 
8 p 7 pr\d ( him4 ,ev]y?+ fell 9 ) !    
desire ( ! k+ except ! pr9ce himself1 = 
in/ead ( be+ anxi\s to fight1 to conqu] 
o!r c\ntries1 to be a great lead] (     
armies1 8 desires l$ him away f all ?is4
 ,ev5 z a boy he 0 m$itative & giv5 to  
religi\s mus+s1 & z he grew up he became
 m & m confirm$ 9 8 wi% to "k ( sacr$   
?+s1 m & m an inquir] into ! my/]ies (  
life4  ,he 0 taught all ! fai? ( ^?     
days1 a fai? s old t we d n "k :5ce x   
came4 ,he 0 br\ght up to believe t life 
is immortal1 t no life c ev] utt]ly die4
 ,he 0 taught t all life is "o2 t !re is

 n "o life ( ! bea/s & "o life ( m51 b t
 all life 0 "o glori\s unity1 "o great  
ess5ce com+ f ! ,unkn[n4 ,man is n a ?+ 
ap>t f ?is _w1 b ( x4 ,z man's body is b
 ! body ( bea/s1 ref9$ & glorifi$1 s !  
s\l ( man is b a high] /age ( ! s\l (   
bea/s4 ,life is a great ladd]4 ,at !    
bottom are ! l[] =ms ( animals1 & "s way
 up is man2 b all are climb+ upw>ds =   
ev]1 & sometimes1 alas6 fall+ back4     
,exi/5ce is = ea* man a great /ruggle1  
punctuat$ ) _m dea?s2 & ea* dea? ends "o
 p]iod b to all[ ano!r to beg91 to give 
u a new *ance ( work+ up & ga9+ heav54  
,he 0 taught t ?is ladd] is v high1 t   
its top is v f> away1 above u1 out ( our
 sight1 & t p]fection & happ9ess lie up 
!re1 & t we mu/ /rive to rea* !m4 ,!    
greate/ man1 ev5 ! greate/ k+1 0 f>!r   
bel[ p]fection ?an an animal 0 bel[ him4
 ,we are v ne> ! bea/s1 b v f> f heav54 
,s he 0 taught to rememb] t ev5 z a v   
great pr9ce he 0 b a weak & err+ s\l1 & 
t unless he liv$ well1 & did hone/ de$s1
 & 0 a true man1 in/ead ( ris+ he might 

fall4  ,?is tea*+ appeal$ to ! pr9ce f> 
m ?an all ! urg+ ( 8 fa!r & ( ! c\rti]s 
t he %\ld /rive to become a great       
conqu]or4 ,x ent]$ into 8 v s\l1 & 8    
cont9ual ?\ght 0 h[ he 0 to be a bett]  
man1 h[ he 0 to use ?is life ( 8 s t he 
%\ld ga9 & n lose1 & :]e he 0 to f9d    
happ9ess4  ,all ! pomp & glory ( !      
palace1 all its luxury & ease1 appeal$  
to him v little4 ,ev5 9 8 e>ly y\? he   
f\nd b little pleasure 9 x1 & he li/5$ m
 to ^? :o spoke ( hol9ess ?an to ^? :o  
spoke ( w>4 ,he desir$1 we are told1 to 
become a h]mit1 to ca/ (f f him 8 /ate &
 dignity1 & to put on ! yell[ g>m5ts ( a
 m5dicant1 & beg 8 bread w&]+ up & d[n  
^u ! _w1 seek+ = peace4  ,?is           
disposition ( ! pr9ce griev$ 8 p>5ts v  
mu*4 ,t _! son1 :o 0 s full ( promise1 s
 brave & s /rong1 s wise & s mu* belov$ 
by ev]yone1 %\ld become a m5dicant clad 
9 unclean g>m5ts1 begg+ 8 daily food f  
h\se to h\se1 seem$ to !m a horrible ?+4
 ,x c\ld nev] be p]mitt$ t a pr9ce %\ld 
disgrace himself 9 ?is way4 ,e ef=t mu/ 

be tak5 to eradicate su* ideas2 aft]    
all1 x 0 b ! melan*oly ( y\?1 & x w\ld  
pass4 ,s /r+5t ord]s 7 giv5 to di/ract 8
 m9d 9 e way f solemn ?\ghts1 to attempt
 by a cont9u$ r\nd ( pleasure & luxury  
to attract him to m worldly ?+s4 ,& :5  
he 0 eighte5 he 0 m>ri$ to 8 c\s9       
,ya?odaya1 9 ! hope t 9 m>riage &       
pat]nity he might =get 8 desire to be a 
h]mit1 might feel t love 0 bett] ?an    
wisdom4 ,& if ,ya?odaya _h be5 o!r ?an  
%e 0--:o c tell8--p]haps aft] all ! k+  
might h succe$$2 b x 0 n to be s4 ,= to 
,ya?odaya1 too1 life 0 a v solemn ?+1 n 
to be ?r[n away 9 laught] & frivolity1 b
 to be us$ z a great gift wor?y ( all   
c>e4 ,to ! pr9ce 9 8 tr\ble !re came a  
k9dr$ s\l1 & ?\gh f ! palace all !      
tea*]s ( religion1 all :o w\ld influ5ce 
! pr9ce aga9/ ! desires ( 8 fa!r1 7     
bani%$1 yet ,ya?odaya m ?an made up to  
him = all he _h lo/4 ,= ne>ly t5 ye>s !y
 liv$ toge!r !re su* a life z pr9ces l$ 
9 ^? days 9 ! ,ea/1 n1 p]haps1 s v      
diff]5t f :at !y lead n[4  ,& all t "t !

 pr9ce _h be5 gradually mak+ up 8 m9d1  
sl[ly becom+ sure t life held some?+    
bett] ?an he _h yet f\nd1 h>d5+ 8       
det]m9ation t he mu/ leave all t he _h &
 g out into ! _w look+ = peace4 ,despite
 all ! ef=ts ( ! k+ 8 fa!r1 despite !   
gu>ds & 8 "y m5 companions1 despite !   
beauty ( ! danc+-girls1 ! my/]ies ( life
 came home to him1 & he 0 afraid4 ,x is 
a beautiful /ory told 9 qua9t imag]y h[ 
x 0 t ! k ( sickness & ( dea? came to   
him1 a horror /alk+ amid ! glories ( 8  
g>d54 ,he le>nt1 & he und]/ood1 t he too
 w\ld gr[ old1 w\ld fall sick1 w\ld die4
 ,& beyond dea?8 ,!re 0 ! fe>1 & no "o  
c\ld allay x4 ,daily he grew m & m      
discont5t$ ) 8 life 9 ! palace1 m & m   
av]se to ! pleasures t 7 ar\nd him4     
,deep] & deep] he saw ?r\gh ! laugh+    
surface to ! dep?s t lay b5ea?4 ,sil5tly
 all ^! ?\ghts rip5$ 9 8 m9d1 till at   
la/ ! *ange came4 ,we are told t ! end  
came sudd5ly1 ! resolve 0 tak5 9 a      
mom5t4 ,! lake fills & fills until at   
l5g? x ov]fl[s1 & 9 a night ! dam is    

brok51 & ! p5t-up wat]s are leap+ f>    
t[>ds ! sea4  ,z ! pr9ce return$ f 8 la/
 drive 9 8 g>d5 ) resolve firmly        
e/abli%$ 9 8 he>t1 !re came to him !    
news t 8 wife _h borne to him a son4    
,wife & *ild1 8 cup ( desire 0 n[ full4 
,b 8 resolve 0 un%ak54 ',see1 "h is     
ano!r tie1 alas6 a new & /rong] tie t ,i
 mu/ break1' he said2 b he nev] wav]$4  
,t night ! pr9ce left ! palace4 ,sil5tly
 9 ! dead ( night he left all ! luxury  
ab\t him1 & w5t out secretly ) only 8   
fai?ful s]vant1 ,maung ,san1 to saddle =
 him 8 horse & lead him =?4 ,only be=e  
he left he look$ 9 cauti\sly to see     
,ya?odaya1 ! "y wife & "m4 ,%e 0 ly+    
asleep1 ) "o h& ^u ! face ( h] fir/born1
 & ! pr9ce 0 afraid to g fur!r4 ',to see
 him1' he said1 ',i mu/ remove ! h& ( 8 
"m1 & %e may awake2 & if %e awake1 h[   
%all ,i dep>t8 ,i w g1 !n1 )\t see+ my  
son4 ,lat] on1 :5 all ^! passions are   
fad$ f my he>t1 :5 ,i am sure ( myself1 
p]haps !n ,i %all be able to see him4 ,b
 n[ ,i mu/ g4'  ,s he w5t =? v sil5tly &

 v sadly1 & leapt ^u 8 horse--! great   
:ite horse t w\ld n neigh = fe> ( wak+ !
 sleep+ gu>ds--& ! pr9ce & 8 fai?ful    
noble ,maung ,san w5t out into ! night4 
,he 0 only tw5ty-eight :5 he fl$ f all 8
 _w1 & :at he s\ght 0 ?is3 ',deliv]ance 
= m5 f ! mis]y ( life1 & ! k ( ! tru? t 
w lead !m unto ! ,great ,peace4'  ,?is  
is ! great r5unciation4  ,i h (t5 talk$ 
ab\t ?is ) ! monks & o!rs1 (t5 he>d !m  
speak ab\t ?is great r5unciation1 ( ?is 
p>t+ ( ! pr9ce & 8 wife4  ',y see1' said
 a monk once to me1 'he 0 n yet !       
,buddha1 he _h n se5 ! light1 only he 0 
desir\s to look = x4 ,he 0 j a pr9ce1 j 
a man l any o!r man1 & he 0 v fond ( 8  
wife4 ,x is v h>d to resi/ a woman if %e
 loves y & cries1 & if y love h]4 ,s he 
0 afraid4'  ,& :5 ,i said t ,ya?odaya 0 
also religi\s1 & _h help$ him 9 8       
?\ghts1 & t surely %e w\ld n h /opp$    
him1 ! monk %ook 8 head4  ',wom5 are n l
 t1' he said4  ,& a woman said to me    
once3 ',surely %e 0 v mu* to be piti$   
because h] husb& w5t away f h] & h]     

baby4 ,d y ?9k t :5 %e talk$ religion ) 
h] husb& %e ev] ?\ght t x w\ld cause him
 to leave h] & g away = ev]8 ,if %e _h  
?\ght t1 %e w\ld nev] h done z %e did4  
,a woman w\ld nev] help any?+ to sev] h]
 husb& f h]1 n ev5 religion4 ,& :5 aft] 
t5 ye>s a baby _h come to h]6 ,surely %e
 0 v mu* to be piti$4' ,?is woman made  
me und]/& t ! highe/ religion ( a woman 
is ! true love ( h] husb&1 ( h] *ildr52 
& :at is x to h] if %e ga9 ! :ole _w1 b 
lose t :i* %e w\ld h8  ,all ! /ory (    
,ya?odaya & h] deal+s ) h] husb& is full
 ( ! deepe/ pa?os1 full ( passionate    
prote/ aga9/ h] loss1 ev5 9 ord] t h]   
husb& & all ! _w %\ld ga94 ,%e w\ld h   
held him1 if %e c\ld1 aga9/ ! _w1 &     
deem$ t %e did well4 ,& s1 ?\gh x is    
probable t x 0 a great deal ow+ to      
,ya?odaya's help1 to h] sympa?y1 to h]  
support 9 all 8 difficulties1 t ,gaudama
 came to 8 f9al resolve to leave ! _w & 
seek = ! tru?1 yet %e act$ unwitt+ly (  
:at w\ld be ! end4  ',%e did n "k1' said
 ! woman4 ',%e help$ h] husb&1 b %e did 

n "k to :at4 ,& :5 %e 0 ill1 :5 %e 0    
giv+ bir? to h] baby1 !n h] husb& left  
h]4 ,surely %e 0 v mu* to be piti$4'  ,&
 s ,ya?odaya1 ! wife ( ! ,pr9ce         
,gaudama1 :o became ! ,buddha1 is held 9
 high hon\r1 9 great e/eem1 by all      
,buddhi/s4 ,by ! m51 because %e help$ h]
 husb& to 8 resolve to seek = ! tru?1   
because %e _h be5 8 great /ay & help :5 
ev]yone 0 aga9/ him1 because if !re _h  
be5 no ,ya?odaya !re _h be5 p]*ance no  
,buddha4 ,& by ! wom5--,i ne$ n say :y  
%e is hon\r$ by all wom54 ,if ev] !re 0 
a /ory t appeal$ to woman's he>t1 surely
 x is ?is3 h] love1 h] ab&onm5t1 h]     
c\rage1 h] submission :5 !y met aga9 9  
aft]-ye>s1 h] prote/ aga9/ be+ sacrific$
 ^u ! alt> ( h] husb&'s religion4       
,truly1 x is all ( ! v ess5ce (         
humanity4 ,:5ev] ! /ory ( ! ,buddha     
comes to be writt51 !n w be writt5 also 
! /ory ( ! life ( ,ya?odaya 8 wife4 ,if 
"o is full ( wisdom & tea*+1 ! o!r is   
full ( suff]+ & tea*+ also4 ,i _c write 
x "h4 ,i h s mu* to say on o!r matt]s t 

!re is no room4 ,b "s day x w be writt51
 ,i tru/1 ?is old message to a new _w4  
,,*apt] ,,iii  ,,he ,,:o ,,f\nd ,,!     
,,light--,,ii       ',he :o nev] spake b
 good & wise words1 he :o 0 ! light     
( ! _w1 has f\nd too soon !             
,peace4'--,lam5t on ! dea?      ( !     
,buddha4   ,! pr9ce rode =? into !      
night1 & z he w5t1 ev5 9 ! fir/ flu% ( 8
 resolve1 temptation came to him4 ,z !  
night clos$ beh9d he rememb]$ all he 0  
leav+3 he rememb]$ 8 fa!r & 8 "m2 8 he>t
 0 full ( 8 wife & *ild4  ',return6'    
said ! devil to him4 ',:at seek y "h8   
,return1 & be a good son1 a good husb&1 
a good fa!r4 ,rememb] all t y are leav+ 
to pursue va9 ?\ghts4 ,y1 a great man--y
 might be a great k+1 z y\r fa!r        
wi%es--a mighty conqu]or ( nations4 ,!  
night is v d>k1 & ! _w be=e y is v      
empty4'  ,! pr9ce's he>t 0 full (       
bitt]ness at ! ?\ght ( ^? he lov$1 ( all
 t he 0 los+4 ,yet he nev] wav]$4 ,he   
w\ld n ev5 turn to look 8 la/ on ! great
 :ite city ly+ 9 a silv] dream beh9d    

him4 ,he set 8 face ^u 8 way1 trampl+   
b5ea? him e worldly consid]ation1       
despis+ a p[] t 0 b vanity & illusion2  
he w5t on into ! d>k4  ,pres5tly he came
 to a riv]1 ! b\nd>y ( 8 fa!r's k+dom1 &
 "h he /opp$4 ,!n ! pr9ce turn$ to      
,maung ,san1 & told him t he mu/ return4
 ,beyond ! riv] lay = ! pr9ce ! life ( a
 holy man1 :o ne$$ nei!r s]vant nor     
horse1 & ,maung ,san mu/ return4 ,all 8 
pray]s 7 9 va92 8 supplications t he    
might be all[$ to foll[ 8 ma/] z a      
disciple2 8 prote/ations ( et]nal fai?4 
,no1 he mu/ return2 s ,maung ,san w5t   
back ) ! horse1 & ! pr9ce 0 alone4  ,z  
he wait$ !re alone by ! riv]1 alone 9 ! 
d>k wait+ = ! dawn ere he c\ld cross1   
alone ) 8 own fe>s & ?\ghts1 d\bt came  
to him aga94 ,he d\bt$ if he _h done "r1
 :e!r he %\ld ev] f9d ! light1 :e!r1    
inde$1 !re 0 any light to f9d1 & 9 8    
d\bt & di/ress he ask$ = a sign4 ,he    
desir$ t x might be %[n to him :e!r all 
8 ef=ts w\ld be 9 va9 or n1 :e!r he %\ld
 ev] w9 9 ! /ruggle t 0 be=e him4 ,we   

are told t ! sign came to him1 & he knew
 t1 :atev] happ5$1 9 ! end all w\ld g   
well1 & he w\ld f9d t :i* he s\ght4  ,s 
he cross$ ! riv] out ( 8 fa!r's k+dom   
into a /range c\ntry1 & he put on !     
g>m5t ( a recluse1 & liv$ z !y did4  ,he
 s\ght 8 bread z !y did1 go+ f h\se to  
h\se = ! brok5 victuals1 :i* he collect$
 9 a b[l1 retir+ to a quiet spot to eat4
  ,! fir/ "t he collect$ ?is /range meal
 & attempt$ to eat1 8 v s\l rose aga9/ !
 di/a/efulness ( ! mess4 ,he :o _h be5 a
 pr9ce1 & accu/om$ to ! v be/ ( ev]y?+1 
c\ld n at fir/ br+ himself to eat su*   
f>e1 & ! /ruggle 0 bitt]4 ,b 9 ! end "h1
 too1 he conqu]$4 ',0 ,i n aw>e1' he    
said1 ) bitt] indignation at 8 weakness1
 't :5 ,i became a recluse ,i mu/ eat   
su* food z ?is8 ,n[ is ! "t to trample  
^u ! appetite ( nature4' ,he took up 8  
b[l1 & ate ) a good appetite1 & ! fight 
_h nev] to be f\ght aga94  ,s 9 ! fa%ion
 ( ^? days he became a seek] aft] tru?4 
,m51 !n1 :5 !y desir$ to f9d hol9ess1 to
 seek = t :i* is bett] ?an ! ?+s ( ?is  

_w1 _h to beg9 _! se>* by an utt]       
repudiation ( all t :i* ! _w holds good4
 ,! ri* & worldly wore h&some g>m5ts1 !y
 w\ld we> rags2 ^? ( ! _w 7 c>eful ( _! 
p]sonal appe>ance1 !y w\ld despise x2 ^?
 ( ! _w 7 cleanly1 ! h]mits 7 fil?y2 ^? 
( ! _w 7 dec5t1 & _h a c>e = outw>d     
obs]vances1 & s h]mits _h no c>e = ei!r 
dec5cy or mode/y4 ,! _w 0 evil1 surely1 
& !re=e all t ! _w held good 0 surely   
evil too4 ,wisdom 0 to be s\ght 9 ! v   
opposites ( ! conv5tions ( m54  ,! pr9ce
 took on him _! g>m5ts1 & w5t to !m to  
le>n f all t :i* !y _h le>nt4 ,he w5t to
 all ! wise/ h]mits ( ! l&1 to ^? r5[n$ 
= _! wisdom & hol9ess2 & ?is is :at !y  
taught him1 ?is is all ! light !y gave  
to him :o came to !m = light4 ',!re is1'
 !y said1 '! s\l & ! body ( man1 & !y   
are enemies2 !re=e1 to puni% ! s\l1 y   
mu/ de/roy & puni% ! body4 ,all t ! body
 holds good is evil to ! s\l4' ,s !y    
purifi$ _! s\ls by c]emonies & =ms1 by  
torture & />vation1 by nak$ness &       
contempt ( dec5cy1 by nameless          

abom9ations4 ,& ! "y pr9ce /udi$ all _! 
tea*+1 & essay$ to foll[ _! example1 &  
he f\nd x 0 all ( no use4 ,"h he c\ld   
f9d no way to happ9ess1 no rais+ ( ! s\l
 to high] planes1 b1 r1 a degradation   
t[>ds ! bea/s4 ,= self-puni%m5t is j z  
mu* a submission to ! fle% z luxury &   
self-indulg5ce4 ,h[ c y =get ! body1 &  
turn ! s\l to bett] ?\ghts1 if y are =  
ev] tortur+ t body1 & !reby keep+ x 9   
memory8 ,y c keep y\r lu/s j z easily   
be=e y\r eyes by useless puni%m5t z by  
indulg5ce4 ,& h[ c y turn y\r m9d to    
m$itation & ?\ght if y\r body is 9      
suff]+8 ,s ! pr9ce soon saw t "h 0 n !  
way he want$4 ,8 s\l revolt$ f !m & _!  
au/]ities1 & he left !m4 ,z he fa?om$ ! 
empt9ess ( 8 c\nsellors ( ! palace1 s he
 fa?om$ ! empt9ess ( ! tea*]s ( ! cave &
 mona/]y4 ,if ! p[]ful & weal?y 7       
ignorant1 wisdom 0 n to be f\nd among ! 
poor & feeble1 & he 0 z f> f x z :5 he  
left ! palace4 ,yet he did n despair4   
,tru? 0 some:]e1 he 0 sure2 x mu/ be    
f\nd if only x be look$ = ) pati5ce &   

s9c]ity1 & he w\ld f9d x4 ,surely !re 0 
a great] wisdom ?an m]e contempt ( weal?
 & com=t1 surely a great] happ9ess ?an  
c\ld be f\nd 9 self-torture & hy/]ia4 ,&
 s1 z he c\ld f9d no "o to tea* him1 he 
w5t out into ! =e/ to look = tru? !re4  
,9 ! great =e/ :]e no "o comes1 :]e !   
de] fe$ & ! tig] creeps1 he w\ld seek   
:at man c\ld n give him4 ,!y w\ld "k1 ^?
 great trees t _h se5 a ?\s& ra9s1 &    
outliv$ ?irty g5]ations ( m52 !y w\ld   
"k1 ^? /reams t fla%$ f ! f> sn[        
summits2 surely ! =e/ & ! hills1 ! dawn 
& ! night1 w\ld h some?+ to tell him ( !
 secrets ( ! _w4 ,nature c nev] lie1 &  
"h1 f> away f ! homes ( m51 he w\ld le>n
 ! k t m5 c\ld n give him4 ,) a body    
purifi$ by ab/95ce1 ) a he>t attun$ by  
solitude1 he w\ld li/5 z ! w9ds talk$ to
 ! m\nta9s 9 ! dusk1 & und]/& ! beckon+ 
( ! />s4 ,& s1 z _m o!rs did !n &       
aft]w>ds1 he left mank9d & w5t to       
,nature = help4 ,= six ye>s he liv$ s 9 
! fa/nesses ( ! hills4  ,we are told b v
 little ( ^? six ye>s1 only t he 0 (t5 v

 lonely1 (t5 v sad ) ! remembrance ( all
 :om he _h left4 ',?9k n1' he said _m   
ye>s lat] to a fav\rite disciple--'?9k n
 t ,i1 ?\gh ! ,buddha1 h n felt all ?is 
ev5 z any o!r ( y4 ,0 ,i n alone :5 ,i 0
 seek+ = wisdom 9 ! wild]ness8 ,& yet   
:at c\ld ,i h ga9$ by wail+ & lam5tation
 ei!r = myself or = o!rs8 ,w\ld x h     
br\ght to me any solace f my lonel9ess8 
,w\ld x h be5 any help to ^? ,i _h      
left8'  ,we are told t 8 fame z a       
solit>y1 z a a man :o commun$ ) ,nature1
 & subdu$ 8 own l[] feel+s1 0 s great t 
all m5 knew ( x4 ,8 fame 0 z a 'bell    
hung 9 ! canopy ( ! skies1' t all       
nations he>d2 & _m disciples came to    
him4 ,b despite all 8 fame among m51 he 
himself knew t he _h n yet come to !    
tru?4 ,ev5 ! great s\l ( ,nature _h     
fail$ to tell him :at he desir$4 ,! tru?
 0 z f> (f z ev]1 s he ?\ght1 & to ^? t 
came to him = wisdom he _h no?+ to tea*4
 ,s1 at ! end ( six ye>s1 despair+ (    
f9d+ t :i* he s\ght1 he ent]$ ^u a great
 fa/1 & he pu%$ x to su* an extreme t at

 l5g? he fa9t$ f %e] exhau/ion &        
/>vation4  ,:5 he came to himself he    
recognis$ t he _h fail$ aga94 ,no light 
_h %one ^u 8 dimm$ eyes1 no revelation  
_h come to him 9 8 s5selessness4 ,all 0 
z be=e1 & ! tru?--! tru?1 :]e 0 t8  ,=  
?is man 0 no inspir$ tea*]4 ,he _h no "o
 to %[ him ! way he %\ld g2 he 0 tri$ ) 
failure1 ) failure aft] failure4 ,he    
le>nt z o!r m5 le>n1 ?r\gh suff]+ &     
mi/ake4 ,"h 0 8 ?ird failure4 ,! ri* _h 
fail$ him1 & ! poor2 ev5 ! voices ( !   
hills _h n told him ( :at he w\ld "k2 ! 
radiant f+] ( dawn _h po9t$ to him no   
way to happ9ess4 ,life 0 j z mis]able1 z
 empty1 z mean+less1 z be=e4  ,all t he 
_h done 0 9 va91 & he mu/ try aga91 mu/ 
seek out "s new way1 if he 7 ev] to f9d 
t :i* he s\ght4  ,he rose f :]e he lay1 
& took 8 b[l 9 8 h&s & w5t to ! ne>e/   
village1 & ate he>tily & drank1 & 8     
/r5g? came back to him1 & ! beauty he _h
 lo/ return$4  ,& !n came ! f9al bl[3 8 
disciples left him 9 scorn4  ',behold1' 
!y said to ea* o!r1 'he has liv$ ?r\gh  

six ye>s ( mortification & suff]+ 9 va94
 ,see1 n[1 he goes =? & eats food1 &    
assur$ly he :o does ?is w nev] atta9    
wisdom4 ,our ma/]'s se>* is n aft]      
wisdom1 b worldly ?+s2 we mu/ look      
else:]e = ! guidance t we seek4'  ,!y   
dep>t$1 leav+ him to be> 8 disappo9tm5t 
alone1 & !y w5t into ! solitude f> away1
 to cont9ue 9 _! own way & pursue _!    
se>* aft] _! own me?od4 ,he :o 0 to be !
 ,buddha _h fail$1 & 0 alone4  ,to !    
foll[]s ( ! ,buddha1 to ^? ( our bro!rs 
:o are try+ to foll[ 8 tea*+s & emulate 
8 example to atta9 a l rew>d1 c !re be  
any great] help ?an ?is3 amid ! failure 
& despair ( our own lives to rememb] t !
 tea*] fail$1 ev5 z we are do+8 ,if we  
f9d ! way d>k & we>y1 if our foot/eps   
fail1 if we w&] 9 wrong pa?s1 did n he d
 ! same8 ,& if we f9d we h to be>       
suff]+s alone1 s _h he2 if we f9d no "o 
:o c com=t u1 nei!r did he2 z we "k 9   
our he>ts t we /& alone1 to fight ) our 
own h&s1 s did he4 ,he is no model (    
p]fection :om x is hopeless = u to      

imitate1 b a man l ourselves1 :o fail$ &
 f\ght1 & fail$ & f\ght aga91 & won4 ,& 
s1 if we fail1 we ne$ n despair4 ,did n 
our tea*] fail8 ,:at he has done1 we c  
d1 = he has told u s4 ,let u be up aga9 
& be ( good he>t1 & we1 too1 %all w9 9 !
 end1 ev5 z he did4 ,! rew>d w come 9   
its own good "t if we /rive & fa9t n4   
,surely ?is comes home to all ( our     
he>ts--?is failure ( him :o f\nd !      
light4 ,t he %\ld h won--ah1 well1 t is 
beautiful2 b t he %\ld h fail$--& fail$1
 t is :at comes home to u1 because we   
too h fail$ _m times4 ,c y wond] t 8    
foll[]s love him8 ,c y wond] t 8 tea*+  
has come home to !m z nev] did tea*+    
else:]e8 ,i d n ?9k x is h>d to see :y3 
x is simply because he 0 a man z we are4
 ,_h he be5 o!r ?an a man1 _h tru? be5  
reveal$ to him f ! beg9n+1 _h he nev]   
f\ght1 _h he nev] fail$1 d y ?9k t he   
w\ld h held ! love ( m5 z he does8 ,i   
fe>1 _h x be5 s1 ?is p w\ld h lack$ a   
s\l4  ,8 disciples left him1 & he 0     
alone4 ,he w5t away to a great grove (  

trees ne> by--^? beautiful groves (     
mango & palm & fig t are ! delight ( !  
he>t 9 t l& ( burn+1 flood+ sun%9e--&   
!re he slept1 defeat$1 discr$it$1 &     
ab&on$2 & !re ! tru? came to him4  ,!re 
is a /ory ( h[ a "y wife1 com+ to (f] h]
 little (f]+s to ! _s ( ! great         
fig-tree1 saw him1 & took him = ! _s1 s 
beautiful 0 8 face z he rose4  ,!re are 
spirits 9 all ! great trees1 9 all !    
riv]s1 9 all ! hills--v beautiful1 v    
peaceful1 lov+ calm & re/4  ,! woman    
?\ght he 0 ! _s come d[n to accept h]   
(f]+1 & %e gave x to him--! cup ( curdl$
 milk--9 fe> & trembl+1 & he took x4 ,! 
woman w5t away aga9 full ( hope & joy1 &
 ! pr9ce rema9$ 9 ! grove4 ,he liv$ !re 
= =ty-n9e days1 we are told1 "u ! great 
fig-tree by ! riv]4 ,& ! fig-tree has   
become sacr$ = ev] because he sat !re & 
because !re he f\nd ! tru?4 ,we are told
 ( x all 9 wond]ful trope & imag]y--( 8 
la/ fight ov] s91 & ( 8 victory4  ,!re !
 tru? came to him at la/ out ( 8 own    
he>t4 ,he _h s\ght = x 9 m5 & 9 ,nature1

 & f\nd x n1 &1 lo6 x 0 9 8 own he>t4   
,:5 8 eyes 7 cle>$ ( imag9+s1 & 8 body  
purifi$ by temp]ance1 !n at la/ he saw1 
d[n 9 8 own s\l1 :at he _h s\ght ! _w   
ov] =4 ,e man c>ries x !re4 ,x is nev]  
dead1 b lives ) our life1 ?is light t we
 seek4 ,we d>k5 x1 & turn our faces f x 
to foll[ /range lights1 to pursue vague 
glimm]s 9 ! d>k1 & !re1 all ! "t1 is !  
light 9 ea* man's own he>t4 ,d>k5$ x may
 be1 cru/$ ov] ) our ignorance & s91 b  
nev] dead1 nev] dead1 always burn+      
brightly = u :5 we c>e to seek = x4  ,! 
tru? = ea* man is 9 8 own s\l4 ,& s x   
came at la/1 & he :o saw ! light w5t =? 
& prea*$ x to all ! _w4 ,he liv$ a long 
life1 a life full ( wond]ful tea*+1 (   
/ill m m>vell\s example4 ,all ! _w lov$ 
him4  ,he saw aga9 ,ya?odaya1 %e :o _h  
be5 8 wife2 he saw 8 son4 ,n[1 :5       
passion 0 dead 9 him1 he c\ld d ^! ?+s4 
,& ,ya?odaya 0 full ( despair1 = if all 
! _w _h ga9$ a tea*]1 %e _h lo/ a husb&4
 ,s x w be = ev]4 ,?is is ! diff]5ce    
betwe5 m5 & wom54 ,%e became a nun1 poor

 s\l6 & h] son--8 son--became "o ( 8    
disciples4  ,i d n ?9k x is necess>y =  
me to tell mu* m ( 8 life4 ,mu* has be5 
told already by ,pr(essor ,max ,mll] &  
o!r s*ol>s1 :o h sp>$ no pa9s to come to
 ! tru? ( t life4 ,i d n wi% to say m4  
,s f>1 ,i h writt5 to emphasize ! view  
:i*1 ,i ?9k1 ! ,burmese take ( !        
,buddha1 & h[ he came to 8 wisdom1 h[ he
 lov$1 & h[ he di$4  ,he di$ at a great 
age1 full ( ye>s & love4 ,! /ory ( 8    
dea? is mo/ beautiful4 ,!re is n[h]e    
any?+ m wond]ful ?an h[1 at ! end ( t   
long good life1 he ent]$ into ! ,great  
,peace = :i* he _h prep>$ 8 s\l4        
',an&a1' he said to 8 weep+ disciple1 'd
 n be too mu* conc]n$ ) :at %all rema9 (
 me :5 ,i h ent]$ into ! ,peace1 b be r 
anxi\s to practise ! works t lead to    
p]fection2 put on ^? inw>d dispositions 
t w enable y also to rea* ! ev]la/+     
re/4'  ,& aga93  ',:5 ,i %all h left    
life & am no m se5 by y1 d n believe t  
,i am no long] ) y4 ,y h ! laws t ,i h  
f\nd1 y h my tea*+s /ill1 & 9 !m ,i %all

 be ev] beside y4 ,d n1 !re=e1 ?9k t ,i 
h left y alone = ev]4'  ,& be=e he di$3 
',rememb]1' he said1 't life & dea? are 
"o4 ,nev] =get ?is4 ,= ?is purpose h ,i 
ga!r$ y toge!r2 = life & dea? are "o4'  
,& s '! great & glori\s tea*]1' he :o   
nev] spoke b good & wise words1 he :o   
has be5 ! light ( ! _w1 ent]$ into !    
,peace4     ,,*apt] ,,iv  ,,! ,,way ,,to
 ,,! ,,great ,,peace       ',come to    
,me3 ,i tea* a doctr9e :i* leads to     
deliv]ance f all      ! mis]ies (       
life4'--,say+ ( ! ,buddha4   ,to und]/& 
! tea*+ ( ,buddhism1 x mu/ be rememb]$ t
 to ! ,buddhi/1 z to ! ,brahm91 man's   
s\l is et]nal4  ,9 o!r fai?s & o!r      
philosophies ?is is n s4 ,!re ! s\l is  
immortal2 x _c die1 b ea* man's s\l     
appe>$ newly on 8 bir?4 ,its beg9n+ is v
 rec5t4  ,to ! ,buddhi/ ! beg9n+ z well 
z ! end is out ( our k54 ,:]e we came f 
we _c "k1 b c]ta9ly ! s\l t appe>s 9 ea*
 newborn babe is n a new ?+4 ,x has come
 f ev]la/+1 & ! pres5t life is m]ely a  
sc5e 9 ! endless drama ( exi/5ce4 ,a    

man's id5tity1 ! sum ( good & ( evil    
t5d5cies1 :i* is 8 s\l1 nev] dies1 b    
endures = ev]4 ,ea* body is b a case    
:]e9 ! s\l is en%r9$ = ! "t4  ,& ! /ate 
( t s\l1 :e!r good pr$om9ate 9 x or     
evil1 is purely dep5d5t on t s\l's      
?\ghts & actions 9 "t pa/4  ,m5 are n   
born by *ance wise or fooli%1 righte\s  
or wick$1 /rong or feeble4 ,a man's     
condition 9 life is ! absolute result ( 
an et]nal law t z a man s[s s %all he   
reap2 t z he reaps s has he s[n4        
,!re=e1 if y f9d a man's desires        
naturally giv5 t[>ds evil1 x is because 
he has 9 8 pa/ lives educat$ himself to 
evil4 ,& if he is righte\s & *>itable1  
long-suff]+ & full ( sympa?y1 x is      
because 9 8 pa/ exi/5ce he has cultivat$
 ^! virtues2 he has foll[$ goodness1 & x
 has become a habit ( 8 s\l4  ,?us is e 
man 8 own mak]4 ,he has no "o to blame =
 8 imp]fections b himself1 no "o to ?ank
 = 8 virtues b himself4 ,)9 !           
un*angeable laws ( righte\sness ea* man 
is absolutely ! creator ( himself & ( 8 

own de/9y4 ,x has la91 & x lies1 )9 ea* 
man's p[] to det]m9e :at mann] ( man he 
%all be4 ,nay1 x n only lies )9 8 p[] to
 d s1 b a man mu/ actually m\ld himself4
 ,!re is no o!r way 9 :i* he c develop4 
,e man has _h an equal *ance4 ,if matt]s
 are some:at unequal n[1 !re is no "o to
 blame b himself4 ,x is )9 8 p[] to     
retrieve x1 n p]haps 9 ?is %ort life1 b 
9 ! next1 maybe1 or ! next4  ,man is n  
made p]fect all ( a sudd51 b takes "t to
 gr[1 l all valuable ?+s4 ,y might z    
well expect to raise a teak-tree 9 y\r  
g>d5 9 a night z to make a righte\s man 
9 a day4 ,& ?us n only is a man ! sum ( 
8 passions1 8 acts & 8 ?\ghts1 9 pa/ "t1
 b he is 9 8 daily life det]m9+ 8       
future--:at sort ( man he %all be4 ,e   
act1 e ?\ght1 has its effect1 n only ^u 
! out] _w1 b ^u ! inn] s\l4 ,if y foll[ 
aft] evil1 x becomes 9 "t a habit ( y\r 
s\l4 ,if y foll[ aft] good1 e good act  
is a beautify+ t\* to y\r own s\l4  ,man
 is z he has made himself2 man w be z he
 makes himself4 ,?is is a v simple !ory1

 surely4 ,x is n at all difficult to    
und]/& ! ,buddhi/ /&po9t 9 ! matt]4 ,x  
is m]ely ! !ory ( evolution appli$ to ! 
s\l1 ) ?is diff]5ce3 t 9 its lat] /ages 
x has become a delib]ate & a consci\s   
evolution1 & n an unconsci\s "o4  ,& !  
d$uction f ?is is also simple4 ,x is    
true1 says ,buddhism1 t e man is !      
ar*itect ( himself1 t he c make himself 
z he *ooses4 ,n[1 :at e man desires is  
happ9ess4 ,z a man c =m himself z he w1 
x is )9 8 p[] to make himself happy1 if 
he only kn[s h[4 ,let u !re=e c>efully  
consid] :at happ9ess is1 t we may atta9 
x2 :at mis]y is1 t we may avoid x4  ,x  
is a commonplace ( _m religions1 & ( _m 
philosophies--nay1 x is ! actual base ^u
 :i* !y h be5 built1 t ?is is an evil   
_w4  ,judaism1 inde$1 ?\ght t ! _w 0    
really a capital place1 & t x 0 wor?    
:ile do+ well 9 ord] to enjoy x4 ,b mo/ 
o!r fai?s ?\ght v diff]5tly4 ,inde$1 ! v
 mean+ ( mo/ religions & philosophies   
has be5 t !y %\ld be refuges f !        
wick$ness & unhapp9ess ( ! _w4 ,accord+ 

to !m ! _w has be5 a v we>y _w1 full (  
wick$ness & ( deceit1 ( w> & /rife1 (   
untru? & ( hate1 ( all sorts ( evil4  ,!
 _w has be5 wick$1 & man has be5 unhappy
 9 x4  ',i d n "k t any !ory has usually
 be5 prop\nd$ to expla9 :y ?is is s4 ,x 
has be5 accept$ z a fact t man is       
unhappy1 accept$1 ,i ?9k1 by mo/ fai?s  
ov] ! _w4 ,inde$1 x is ! belief t has   
be51 "o ?9ks1 ! cause ( fai?s4 ,_h ! _w 
be5 happy1 surely !re _h be5 no ne$ (   
religions4 ,9 a summ] sea1 :]e is ! ne$ 
( hav5s8 ,x is a g5]ally-accept$ fact1  
accept$1 z ,i h said1 )\t explanation4  
,b ! ,buddhi/ has n be5 cont5t$ to leave
 x s4 ,he has ?\ght t x is 9 ! "r       
explanation ( ?is c>d9al fact t lies all
 tru?4 ,life suff]s f a disease call$   
mis]y4 ,he w\ld be free f x4 ,let u1 !n1
 says ! ,buddhi/1 fir/ discov] ! cause (
 ?is mis]y1 & s only c we und]/& h[ to  
cure x4' ,x is ?is explanation :i* is   
really ! di/+ui%+ t5et ( ,buddhism1 :i* 
diff]5tiates x f all o!r fai?s & all    
philosophies4  ,! reason1 says          

,buddhism1 :y m5 are unhappy is t !y are
 alive4 ,life & sorr[ are               
insep>able--nay1 !y are "o & ! same ?+4 
,! m]e fact ( be+ alive is a mis]y4 ,:5 
y h cle> eyes & disc]n ! tru?1 y %all   
see ?is )\t a d\bt1 says ! ,buddhi/4 ,= 
consid]1 ,:at man has ev] sat d[n &     
said3 ',n[ am ,i 9 p]fect happ9ess2 j z 
,i n[ am w\ld ,i l to rema9 = ev] & =   
ev] )\t *ange'8 ,no man has ev] done s4 
,:at m5 desire is *ange4 ,!y we>y ( !   
pres5t1 & desire ! future2 & :5 ! future
 comes !y f9d x no bett] ?an ! pa/4     
,happ9ess lies 9 ye/]day & 9 to-morr[1 b
 nev] 9 to-day4 ,9 y\? we look =w>d1 9  
age we look back4 ,:at is *ange b ! dea?
 ( ! pres5t8 ,life is *ange1 & *ange is 
dea?1 s says ! ,buddhi/4 ,m5 %udd] at & 
fe> dea?1 & yet dea? & life are ! same  
?+--insep>able1 indi/+ui%able1 & "o )   
sorr[4 ,we m5 :o desire life are z m5   
a?ir/ & dr9k+ ( ! sea4 ,e drop we dr9k (
 ! poison$ sea ( exi/5ce urges on m5    
surely to great] ?ir/ /ill4 ,yet we dr9k
 on bl9dly1 & say t we are a?ir/4  ,?is 

is ! explanation ( ,buddhism4 ,! _w is  
unhappy because x is alive1 because x   
does n see t :at x %\ld /rive = is n    
life1 n *ange & hurry & discont5t &     
dea?1 b peace--! ,great ,peace4 ,!re is 
! goal to :i* a man %\ld /rive4  ,see n[
 h[ diff]5t x is f ! ,*ri/ian !ory4 ,9  
,*ri/ianity !re are two lives--?is & !  
next4 ,! pres5t is evil1 because x is "u
 ! empire ( ! devil--! _w1 ! fle%1 & !  
devil4 ,! next w be beautiful1 because x
 is "u ! reign ( ,god1 & ! devil _c     
intrude4  ,b ,buddhism ackn[l$ges only  
"o life--an exi/5ce t has come f ! =ev]1
 t may ext5d to ! =ev]4 ,if ?is life is 
evil1 !n is all life evil1 & happ9ess c 
live b 9 peace1 9 surcease f ! tr\bles (
 ?is we>y _w4 ,if1 !n1 a man desire     
happ9ess--& 9 all fai?s t is ! desir$   
end--he mu/ /rive to atta9 peace4 ,?is1 
aga91 is n a difficult idea to und]/&4  
,x seems to me s simple t1 :5 once x has
 be5 li/5$ to1 x may be und]/ood by a   
*ild4 ,i d n say believ$ & foll[$1 b    
und]/ood4 ,belief is a diff]5t matt]4   

',! law is deep2 x is difficult to "k & 
to believe x4 ,x is v sublime1 & c be   
compreh5d$ only by means ( e>ne/        
m$itation1' = ,buddhism is n a religion 
( *ildr51 b ( m54  ,?is is ! doctr9e t  
has caus$ ,buddhism to be call$         
pessimism4 ,taught1 z we h be5 taught1  
to believe t life & dea? are            
antagoni/ic1 t life 9 ! _w to come is   
beautiful1 t dea? is a horror1 x seems  
to u t]rible to ?9k t x is inde$ our v  
life itself t is ! evil to be eradicat$1
 & t life & dea? are ! same4 ,b to ^? t 
h se5 ! tru?1 & believ$ x1 x is n       
t]rible1 b beautiful4 ,:5 y h cleans$   
y\r eyes f ! fals5ess ( ! fle%1 & come  
face to face ) tru?1 x is beautiful4 ',!
 law is sweet1 fill+ ! he>t ) joy4'  ,to
 ! ,buddhi/1 !n1 ! end to be obta9$ is !
 ,great ,peace1 ! mighty deliv]ance f   
all sorr[4 ,he mu/ /rive aft] peace2 on 
8 own ef=ts dep5ds success or failure4  
,:5 ! end & ! ag5t h be5 det]m9$1 !re   
rema9s b to discov] ! means1 ! road     
:]eby ! end may be rea*$4 ,h[ %all a man

 s ?9k & s act t he %all come at l5g?   
unto ! ,great ,peace8 ,& ! answ] (      
,buddhism to ?is "q is "h3 good de$s &  
good ?\ghts--^! are ! gate :]e9 alone y 
may ent] into ! way4 ,be hon\rable & j1 
be k9d & compassionate1 tru?-lov+ &     
av]se to wrong--?is is ! beg9n+ ( ! road
 t leads unto happ9ess4 ,d good to o!rs1
 n 9 ord] t !y may d good to y1 b       
because1 by do+ s1 y d good to y\r own  
s\l4 ,give alms1 & be *>itable1 = ^! ?+s
 are necess>y to a man4 ,above all1 le>n
 love & sympa?y4 ,try to feel z o!rs    
feel1 try to und]/& !m1 try to sympa?ize
 ) !m1 & love w come4 ,surely he 0 a    
,buddhi/ at he>t :o wrote3 ',t\t        
compr5dre1 c'e/ t\t p>donn]4' ,!re is no
 balm to a man's he>t l love1 n only !  
love o!rs feel t[>ds him1 b t he feels  
t[>ds o!rs4 ,be 9 love ) all ?+s1 n only
 ) y\r fell[s1 b ) ! :ole _w1 ) e       
creature t walks ! e>?1 ) ! birds 9 !   
air1 ) ! insects 9 ! grass4 ,all life is
 ak9 to man4 ,man's life is n ap>t f o!r
 life1 b ( x1 & if a man w\ld make 8    

he>t p]fect1 he mu/ le>n to sympa?ize ) 
& und]/& all ! great _w ab\t him4 ,b he 
mu/ always rememb] t he himself comes   
fir/4 ,to make o!rs j1 y mu/ y\rself be 
j2 to make o!rs happy1 y mu/ y\rself be 
happy fir/2 to be lov$1 y mu/ fir/ love4
 ,consid] y\r own s\l1 to make x lovely4
 ,su* is ! tea*+ ( ,buddha4 ,b if ?is 7 
all1 !n w\ld ,buddhism be b a repetition
 ( ! commonplaces ( all religions1 ( all
 philosophies4 ,9 ?is tea*+ (           
righte\sness is no?+ new4 ,_m tea*]s h  
taught x1 & all h le>nt 9 ! end t       
righte\sness is no sure road to         
happ9ess1 to peace4 ,buddhism goes f>!r 
?an ?is4 ,hon\r & righte\sness1 tru? &  
love1 are1 x says1 v beautiful ?+s1 b   
are only ! beg9n+ ( ! way2 !y are b !   
gate4 ,9 !mselves !y w nev] br+ a man   
home to ! ,great ,peace4 ,h]e9 lies no  
salvation f ! tr\bles ( ! _w4 ,f> m is  
requir$ ( a man ?an to be righte\s4     
,hol9ess alone is n ! gate to happ9ess1 
& all t h tri$ h f\nd x s4 ,x alone w n 
give man surcease f pa94 ,:5 a man has s

 purifi$ 8 he>t by love1 has s wean$    
himself f wick$ness by good acts & de$s1
 !n he %all h eyes to see ! fur!r way t 
he %\ld g4 ,!n %all appe> to him ! tru? 
t x is inde$ life t is ! evil to be     
avoid$2 t life is sorr[1 & t ! man :o   
w\ld escape evil & sorr[ mu/ escape f   
life itself--n 9 dea?4 ,! dea? ( ?is    
life is b ! comm5cem5t ( ano!r1 j z1 if 
y dam a /ream 9 "o direction1 x w bur/  
=? 9 ano!r4 ,to take "o's life n[ is to 
condemn "o's self to long] & m mis]able 
life h]eaft]4 ,! end ( mis]y lies 9 !   
,great ,peace4 ,a man mu/ e/range       
himself f ! _w1 :i* is sorr[4 ,hat+     
/ruggle & fight1 he w le>n to love      
peace1 & to s discipl9e 8 s\l t ! _w    
%all appe> to him cle>ly to be ! unre/  
:i* x is4 ,!n1 :5 8 he>t is fix$ ^u !   
,great ,peace1 %all 8 s\l come to x at  
la/4 ,we>y ( ! e>?1 x %all come into !  
hav5 :]e !re are no m /orms1 :]e !re is 
no m /ruggle1 b :]e reigns unutt]able   
peace4 ,x is n dea?1 b ! ,great ,peace4 
',ev] pure1 & mirror bright & ev51      

,life among ! immortals glides away2    
,moons are wan+1 g5]ations *ang+1       
,_! cele/ial life fl[s ev]la/+1         
,*angeless 'mid/ a ru9$ _w's decay4'    
,?is is ,nirvana1 ! end to :i* we mu/   
all /rive1 ! only end t !re c be to !   
tr\ble ( ! _w4 ,ea* man mu/ realize ?is 
= himself1 ea* man w d s surely 9 "t1 & 
all w come into ! hav5 ( re/4 ,surely   
?is is a simple fai?1 ! only belief t ! 
_w has kn[n t is free f my/]y & dogma1 f
 c]emony & prie/craft2 & to "k t x is a 
beautiful fai? y h b to look at its     
believ]s & be sure4 ,if a p be cont5t$ 9
 _! fai?1 if !y love x & exalt x1 & are 
nev] a%am$ ( x1 & if x exalts !m & makes
 !m happy1 :at great] te/imony c y h ?an
 t8  ,x w seem t inde$ ,i h compress$ ! 
tea*+ ( ?is fai? into too small a       
space--?is fai? ab\t :i* s _m books h   
be5 writt51 s mu* discussion has tak5   
place4 ,b ,i d n ?9k x is s4 ,i _c see t
 ev5 9 ?is %ort *apt] ,i h left out     
any?+ t is important 9 ,buddhism4 ,x is 
su* a simple fai? t all may be said 9 a 

v few words4 ,x w\ld be1 ( c\rse1       
possible to ref9e on & gloze ov] c]ta9  
po9ts ( ! tea*+4 ,:]e w\ld be ! use8 ,! 
real pro( ( ! fai? is 9 ! results1 9 !  
de$s t m5 d 9 its "n4 ,discussion w n   
alt] ^! "o way or ano!r4     ,,*apt] ,v 
,,w>--,i       ',love ea* o!r & live 9  
peace4'                          ,say+ (
 ! ,buddha4   ,?is is ! ,buddhi/ belief 
z ,i h und]/ood x1 & ,i h writt5 s f> 9 
ord] to expla9 :at foll[s4 ,= my object 
is n to expla9 :at ! ,buddha taught1 b  
:at ! ,burmese believe2 & ?is is n q !  
same ?+1 ?\gh 9 ne>ly e action ( _! life
 ! influ5ce ( ,buddhism is visible m or 
less /rongly4 ,!re=e ,i propose to      
describe %ortly ! ideas ( ! ,burmese p  
^u ! ma9 objects ( life2 & to %[ h[ mu* 
or h[ little ,buddhism has affect$ _!   
conceptions4 ,i w beg9 ) c\rage4  ,i ?9k
 x w be evid5t t !re is no quality ^u   
:i* ! success ( a nation s mu* dep5ds z 
^u its c\rage4 ,no nation c rise to a   
high place )\t be+ brave2 x _c ma9ta9   
its indep5d5ce ev52 x _c pu% =w>d ^u any

 pa? ( life )\t c\rage4 ,nations t are  
c[>ds mu/ fail4  ,i am aw>e t ! c\rage (
 a nation dep5ds1 z d its o!r qualities1
 ^u _m ?+s3 its situation ) reg>d to o!r
 nations1 its climate1 its food1 its    
occupations4 ,x is a great subject t ,i 
_c g into4 ,i wi% to take all su* ?+s z 
,i f9d !m1 & to discuss only ! effect ( 
! religion ^u ! c\rage ( ! p1 ^u its    
fight+ capabilities4 ,t religion may h a
 v s]i\s effect "o way or ! o!r1 no "o c
 d\bt4 ,i w5t ?r\gh ! w> ( annexation1 f
 #ahhe to #ahhi1 & f x ,i w draw my     
examples4  ,:5 we decl>$ w> 9 ,upp]     
,burma1 & ! column advanc$ up ! riv] 9  
,novemb]1 #ahhe1 !re 0 h>dly any        
opposition4 ,a little fight !re 0 at !  
fronti] =t ( ,m9hla1 b beyond t no?+4 ,!
 riv] t might h be5 block$ 0 op52 !     
e>?works _h no cannon1 ! m5 no guns4    
,su* a collapse 0 nev] se54 ,!re 0 no   
organization1 no mat]ial1 no money4 ,!  
m5 want$ (fic]s to comm& & tea* !m2 !   
(fic]s want$ au?ority & ability to      
comm&4 ,! p look$ to _! rul]s to repel !

 invad]s2 ! rul]s look$ to ! p4 ,!re 0  
no common intellig5ce or w betwe5 !m4   
,ev]y?+ 0 want+2 no?+ 0 z x %\ld be4 ,& 
s ,m&alay fell )\t a %ot1 & ,k+ ,?ibaw1 
! "y1 incapable1 k9d-he>t$ k+1 0 tak5   
into captivity4  ,t 0 ! end ( ! fir/    
act1 brief & bloodless4 ,= a "t ! p 7   
/upefi$4 ,!y c\ld n und]/& :at _h       
happ5$2 !y c\ld n guess :at 0 go+ to    
happ54 ,!y expect$ t ! ,engli% w\ld soon
 retire1 & t !n _! own gov]nm5t w\ld    
reorganize itself4 ,mean:ile !y kept    
quiet4  ,x is curi\s to ?9k h[ peaceful 
! c\ntry really 0 f ,novemb]1 #ahhe1    
till ,june1 #ahhf4 ,!n ! tr\ble came4 ,!
 p _h by t "t1 ev5 9 ! wild =e/         
villages1 begun to und]/& t we want$ to 
/ay1 t we did n int5d go+ away unless   
=c$ to4 ,!y felt t x 0 ( no fur!r use   
look+ to ,m&alay = help4 ,we _h begun1  
too1 to consid] ab\t collect+ taxes1 to 
int]f]e ) ! simple ma*9]y ( local       
affairs1 to %[ t we meant to gov]n4 ,& z
 ! p did n desire to be gov]n$--c]ta9ly 
n by =eign]s1 at lea/--!y began to      

organize resi/ance4 ,!y look$ to _!     
local lead]s = help1 &1 z too (t5 ^!    
local gov]nors 7 n v capable m51 !y     
s\ght1 z all p h done1 ! assi/ance ( su*
 m5 ( w> z !y c\ld f9d--brig&s1 &       
freelances1 & ! l--& put !mselves "u _! 
ord]s4 ,! :ole c\ntry rose1 f ,bhamo to 
,m9hla1 f ! ,%an ,plateau to ! ,*9      
,m\nta9s4 ,all ,upp] ,burma 0 9 a       
passion ( insurrection1 a v fury (      
rebellion aga9/ ! usurp+ =eign]s4 ,our  
au?ority 0 conf9$ to ! range ( our guns4
 ,our =ts 7 attack$1 our convoys ambu%$1
 our /eam]s fir$ into on ! riv]s4 ,!re 0
 no safety = an ,engli%man or a native (
 ,india1 save )9 ! l9es ( our troops1 & 
x 0 soon felt t ^! troops 7 f> too few  
to cope ) ! dang]4 ,to ov]?r[ ,k+ ,?ibaw
 0 easy1 to subdue ! p a v diff]5t ?+4  
,x is almo/ impossible to describe !    
/ate ( ,upp] ,burma 9 #ahhf4 ,x mu/ be  
rememb]$ t ! c5tral gov]nm5t 0 nev] v   
/rong--9 fact1 t beyond collect+ a c]ta9
 am\nt ( taxes1 & appo9t+ gov]nors to ! 
diff]5t prov9ces1 x h>dly made itself   

felt outside ,m&alay & ! l>ge riv] t[ns4
 ,! p to a great ext5t gov]n$ !mselves4 
,!y _h a v good sy/em ( village         
gov]nm5t1 & manag$ ne>ly all _! local   
affairs4 ,b beyond ! pres5ce ( a        
gov]nor1 !re 0 b little to atta* !m to !
 c5tral gov]nm5t4 ,!re 01 & is1         
absolutely no ari/ocracy ( any k9d at   
all4 ,! ,burmese are a community (      
equals1 9 a s5se t has probably nev] be5
 kn[n else:]e4 ,all _! in/itutions are !
 v opposite to feudalism4 ,n[1 feudalism
 0 in/itut$ to be useful 9 w>4 ,!       
,burmese cu/oms 7 in/itut$ t m5 %\ld    
live 9 com=t & ease dur+ peace2 !y 7    
useless 9 w>4 ,s ! natural lead]s ( a p1
 z 9 o!r c\ntries1 7 abs5t4 ,!re 7 no   
local great m52 ! gov]nors 7 m5 appo9t$ 
f "t to "t f ,m&alay1 & usually knew    
no?+ ( _! *>ges2 !re 7 no ri* m51 no    
l>ge l&-hold]s--n "o4 ,!re /ill rema9$1 
h[ev]1 "o in/itution t o!r nations h    
made useful 9 w>1 namely1 ! organization
 ( religion4 ,= ,buddhism is fairly well
 organiz$--c]ta9ly mu* bett] ?an ev] !  

gov]nm5t 04 ,x has its heads (          
mona/]ies1 its ,ga+-dauks1 its ,ga+-oks1
 & f9ally ! ,?a?anaba+1 ! head ( !      
,burmese ,buddhism4 ,! ov]?r[ ( ,k+     
,?ibaw _h n injur$ any ( ?is4 ,?is 0 an 
organization 9 t\* ) ! :ole p1 rev]$ &  
hon\r$ by e man & woman & *ild 9 !      
c\ntry4 ,9 ?is t]rible sc5e ( an>*y &   
confusion1 9 ?is dea? p]il ( _! nation1 
:at 7 ! monks do+8  ,we "k :at religion 
c d4 ,we h se5 h[ x c prea* w> &        
resi/ance1 & c organize t w> &          
resi/ance4 ,we "k :at t5 ?\s& prie/s    
prea*+ 9 t5 ?\s& hamlets c effect 9 mak+
 a p almo/ unconqu]able1 9 direct+ _!   
armies1 9 /r5g!n+ _! det]m9ation4 ,we   
rememb] ,la ,v5de1 we rememb] our       
,puritans1 & we h _h rec5t exp]i5ce 9 ! 
,s\dan4 ,we "k :at ,*ri/ianity has done 
aga9 & aga92 :at ,judaism1 :at          
,mahomm$anism1 :at _m k9ds ( paganism1 h
 done4  ,to ^? com+ to ,burma 9 ^? days1
 fre% f ! tea*+s ( ,europe1 rememb]+    
rec5t ev5ts 9 hi/ory1 ignorant ( :at    
,buddhism means1 !re 0 no?+ m surpris+  

?an ! fact t 9 ?is w> religion _h no    
place4 ,!y rode ab\t & saw ! c\ntry full
 ( mona/]ies2 !y saw ! mona/]ies full ( 
monks1 :om !y call$ prie/s2 !y saw t ! p
 7 int5sely atta*$ to _! religion2 !y _h
 daily evid5ce t ,buddhism 0 an abid+   
fai? 9 ! he>ts ( ! p4 ,& yet1 = all !   
assi/ance x 0 to !m 9 ! w>1 ! ,burmese  
might h _h no fai? at all4  ,& !        
explanation is1 t ! tea*+s ( ! ,buddha  
=bid w>4 ,all kill+ is wrong1 all w> is 
hateful2 no?+ is m t]rible ?an ?is      
de/roy+ ( y\r fell[-man4 ,!re is        
absolutely no gett+ free ( ?is comm&m5t4
 ,! tea*+ ( ! ,buddha is t y mu/ /rive  
to make y\r own s\l p]fect4 ,?is is !   
fir/ ( all ?+s1 & comes be=e any o!r    
consid]ation4 ,be pure & k9d-he>t$1 full
 ( *>ity & compassion1 & s y may d good 
to o!rs4 ,^! are ! v[s ! ,buddhi/ monks 
make1 ^! are ! v[s !y keep2 & s x happ5$
 t all t great organization 0 useless to
 ! patriot fight]1 0 worse ?an useless1 
= x 0 aga9/ him4 ,! :ole spectacle (    
,burma 9 ^? days1 ) ! c\ntry see?+ )    

/rife1 & ! monks go+ ab\t _! bus9ess    
calmly z ev]1 begg+ _! bread f door to  
door1 prea*+ ( peace1 n w>1 ( k9dness1 n
 hatr$1 ( pity1 n rev5ge1 0 to mo/      
=eign]s q inexplicable4 ,!y c\ld n      
und]/& x4 ,i rememb] a fri5d ( m9e ) :om
 ,i w5t ?r\gh _m exp]i5ces speak+ ( x ) 
scorn4 ,he 0 a cavalry (fic]1 '! model (
 a light cavalry (fic]'2 he _h ) him a  
squadron ( 8 regim5t1 & we 7 try+ to    
subdue a v tr\bl$ "p ( ! c\ntry4  ,we 7 
camp+ 9 a mona/]y1 z we frequ5tly did--a
 mona/]y on a hill ne> a high gold5     
pagoda4 ,! c\ntry all r\nd 0 "u ! sway (
 a brig& lead]1 & sorely ! villag]s     
suff]$ at 8 h&s n[ t he _h leapt into   
unexpect$ p[]4 ,! villages 7 half       
ab&on$1 ! fields untill$1 ! p full (    
unre/2 b ! mona/]ies 7 z full ( monks z 
ev]2 ! gongs rang1 z !y ev] did1 _!     
message ?r\gh ! quiet ev5+ air2 ! little
 boys 7 taught !re j ! same2 ! trees 7  
wat]$ & ! g>d5s swept z if !re 7 no     
*ange at all--z if ! k+ 7 /ill on 8     
gold5 ?rone1 & ! ,engli% _h nev] come2 z

 if w> _h nev] bur/ ^u !m4 ,& to u1 aft]
 ! v diff]5t sc5es we saw n[ & !n1 saw &
 act$ 91 ^! monks & _! mona/]ies 7      
difficult to und]/&4 ,! religion ( !    
,buddha ?us pr(ess$ 0 /range4  ',:at is 
! use1' said my fri5d1 '( ?is religion t
 we see s _m signs (8 ,suppose ^! m5 _h 
be5 ,jews or ,h9dus or ,mussulmans1 x   
w\ld h be5 a v diff]5t bus9ess1 ?is w>4 
,^! yell[-rob$ monks1 in/ead ( sitt+ 9  
_! mona/]ies1 w\ld h p]vad$ ! c\ntry1   
prea*+ aga9/ u & organiz+4 ,no "o       
organizes bett] ?an an ecclesia/ic4 ,we 
%\ld h _h !m lead+ _! m5 into action )  
sacr$ bann]s1 & promis+ !m heav5 h]eaft]
 :5 !y di$4 ,!y w\ld h made ,ghazis (   
!m4 ,any "o ( ^! is a religion wor?     
hav+4 ,b :at is ! use ( ,buddhism8 ,:at 
d ^! monks d8 ,i nev] see !m 9 a fight1 
nev] he> t !y are do+ any?+ to organize 
! p4 ,x is1 p]haps1 z well = u t !y d n4
 ,b :at is ! use ( ,buddhism8'  ,s1 or  
some:at l ?is1 spoke my fri5d1 speak+ z 
a soldi]4 ,ea* ( u speaks f our own     
/&po9t4 ,he 0 a brilliant soldi]1 & a   

religion 0 to him a sword1 a ?+ to fight
 )4 ,t 0 "o ( ! fir/ uses ( a religion4 
,he knew no?+ ( ,buddhism2 he c>$ to "k 
no?+1 beyond :e!r x w\ld fight4 ,if s1 x
 0 a good religion 9 its way4 ,if n1 !n 
n4  ,religion meant to him some?+ t w\ld
 help y 9 y\r tr\ble1 t w\ld be a /ay & 
a com=t1 a sword to y\r enemies & a prop
 = y\rself4 ,?\gh he 0 himself an       
invad]1 he felt t ! ,burmans did no     
wrong 9 resi/+ him4 ,!y f\ght = _!      
homes1 z he w\ld h f\ght2 & _! religion1
 if ( any value1 %\ld assi/ !m4 ,x %\ld 
urge !m to battle1 & promise !m peace & 
happ9ess if dy+ 9 a good cause4 ,8 fai? 
w\ld d ?is = him4 ,:at 0 ,buddhism do+8 
,:at help did x give to its believ]s 9  
_! extremity8 ,x gave none4 ,?9k ( !    
peasant ly+ !re 9 ! gho/ly dim-lit      
fields wait+ to attack u at ! dawn4 ,:]e
 0 8 help8 ,he ?\ght1 p]haps1 ( 8 k+    
deport$1 8 village invad$1 8 fri5ds     
kill$1 himself r$uc$ to ! subject ( a   
f>-(f que54 ,he w\ld fight--yes1 ev5    
?\gh 8 fai? told him n4 ,!re 0 no help  

!re4 ,8 0 no fai? to /r5g!n 8 arm1 to   
/raight5 8 aim1 to be 8 %ield 9 ! h\r ( 
dang]4  ,if he di$1 if 9 ! /rife ( !    
morn+'s fight he 7 to be kill$1 if a    
bullet 7 to /ill 8 he>t1 or a lance to  
pi]ce 8 *e/1 !re 0 no hope = him ( !    
glory ( heav54 ,no1 b e fe> ( hell1 = he
 0 s9n+ aga9/ ! laws (                  
righte\sness--',?\ %alt take no life4'  
,!re is no exception to t at all1 n ev5 
= a patriot fight+ = 8 c\ntry4 ',?\ %alt
 n take ! life ev5 ( him :o is ! enemy (
 ?y k+ & nation4' ,he c\ld c\nt on no   
help 9 break+ ! ev]la/+ laws t ! ,buddha
 has reveal$ to u4 ,if he w5t to 8      
monks1 !y c\ld b say3 ',see ! law1 !    
un*angeable law t man is subject to4    
,!re is no good ?+ b peace1 no s9 l     
/rife & w>4' ,t is :at ! foll[]s ( !    
great tea*] w\ld tell ! peasant ye>n+ = 
help to /rike a bl[ ^u ! invad]s4 ,! law
 is ! same = all4 ,!re is n "o law = y &
 ano!r = ! =eign]2 !re is n "o law      
to-day & ano!r to-morr[4 ,tru? is = ev] 
& = ev]4 ,x _c *ange ev5 to help y 9 y\r

 extremity4 ,?9k ( ! ,engli% soldi] & ! 
,burmese peasant4 ,c !re be any:]e a    
great] contra/ ?an ?is8  ,truly ?is is n
 a cre$ = a soldi]1 n a cre$ = a        
fight+-man ( any k9d1 = :at ! soldi]    
wants is a p]sonal god :o w always be on
 8 side1 always %>e 8 op9ions1 always   
support him aga9/ ev]yone else4 ,b a law
 t po9ts out unalt]ably t "r is always  
"r1 & wrong always wrong1 t no?+ c alt] 
"o into ! o!r1 no?+ c ev] make kill+    
righte\s & viol5ce hon\rable1 t is no   
cre$ = a soldi]4 ,& ,buddhism has ev]   
done ?is4 ,x nev] b5t to popul> op9ion1 
nev] made itself a tool 9 ! h&s (       
worldly passion4 ,x c\ld n4 ,y might z  
well say to gravity1 ',i want to lift   
?is /one2 please don't act on x = a "t1'
 z expect ,buddhism to assi/ y to make  
w>4 ,buddhism is ! unalt]able law (     
righte\sness1 & _c ally itself ) evil1  
_c ev] be p]suad$ t "u any circum/ances 
evil c be good4  ,! ,burmese peasant _h 
to fight 8 own fight 9 #ahhe alone4 ,8  
k+ 0 gone1 8 gov]nm5t brok5 up1 he _h no

 lead]s4 ,he _h no god to /& beside him 
:5 he fir$ at ! =eign invad]s2 & :5 he  
lay a-dy+1 ) a bullet 9 8 ?roat1 he _h  
no "o to op5 to him ! gates ( heav54    
,yet he f\ght--) e possible disc\ragem5t
 he f\ght1 & sometimes he f\ght well4 ,x
 has be5 ?r[n aga9/ him z a reproa* t he
 did n d bett]4 ,^? :o h said ?is h nev]
 ?\ght1 nev] c\nt$ up ! odds aga9/ him1 
nev] tak5 into consid]ation h[ (t5 he   
did well4  ,"h 0 a p--a v poor p (      
peasants--) no lead]s1 absolutely none2 
no ari/ocracy ( any k9d1 no cohesion1 no
 fight+ religion4 ,!y _h = _! lead]s    
outlaws & desp]adoes1 & = arms old      
fl9t-lock guns & s(t iron swords4 ,c\ld 
any?+ be expect$ f ?is except :at       
actually did happ58 ,& yet !y (t5 did   
well1 _! natural c\rage ov]com+ _! bad  
weapons1 _! passionate desire ( fre$om  
giv+ !m ! necess>y impulse4  ,9 #ahhf1 z
 ,i h said1 all ,burma 0 up4 ,ev5 9 !   
l[] c\ntry1 :i* we held = s long1       
insurrection 0 spread+ fa/1 & troops &  
milit>y police 7 be+ p\r$ 9 f ,india4   

,!re is above ,m&alay a l>ge trad+      
village--a small t[n almo/--call$       
,%emmaga4 ,x is ! riv] port = a l>ge    
trade 9 salt f ! inn] c\ntry1 & x 0     
important to hold x4 ,! village lay     
along ! riv] bank1 & ab\t ! middle ( x1 
"s two hundr$ y>ds f ! riv]1 rises a    
small hill4 ,?us ! village 0 a triangle1
 ) ! base on ! riv]1 & ! hill z apex4   
,on ! hill 7 "s mona/]ies ( teak1 f :i* 
! monks _h be5 eject$1 & ?ree hundr$    
,ghurkas 7 9 g>rison !re4 ,a /rong f5ce 
ran f ! hill to ! riv] l two arms1 & !re
 7 ?ree gates1 "o j by ! hill1 & "o on  
ea* end ( ! riv] face4  ,beh9d ,%emmaga 
! c\ntry 0 "u ! rule ( a robb] *ief     
call$ ,maung ,ya+1 :o c\ld raise f among
 ! peasants "s two hundr$ or ?ree hundr$
 m51 arm$ mo/ly ) fl9t-locks4 ,he _h be5
 9 ! k+'s "t a brig& ) a small numb] (  
foll[]s1 :o defi$ or elud$ ! local      
au?orities1 & liv$ free 9 qu>t]s among !
 mo/ di/ant villages4 ,l _m a robb] *ief
 9 our c\ntry & else:]e1 he 0 lik$ r ?an
 hat$ by ! p1 = 8 brutalities 7 conf9$  

to ei!r /rang]s or p]sonal enemies1 & he
 0 op5-h&$ & g5]\s4 ,we look ^u ?+s n[ )
 diff]5t eyes to :at we did two or ?ree 
hundr$ ye>s ago1 b ,i d>e say ,maung    
,ya+ 0 nei!r bett] nor worse ?an _m a   
h]o ( ours long ago4 ,he 0 a fairly good
 fight]1 & _h a little exp]i5ce fight+ !
 k+'s troops2 & s x 0 v natural1 :5 !   
ma*9]y ( gov]nm5t fell l a h\se ( c>ds1 
& "s lead]s 7 want$1 t ! "y m5 %\ld cr[d
 to him1 & put !mselves "u 8 ord]s4 ,he 
_h usually ) him =ty or fifty m51 b he  
c\ld1 z ,i h said1 raise five or six    
times z _m = any p>ticul> s]vice1 & keep
 !m toge!r = a few days4 ,he v soon     
discov]$ t he & 8 m5 7 absolutely no    
mat* = our troops4 ,9 two or ?ree       
attempts t he made to oppose ! troops he
 0 signally wor/$1 s he 0 oblig$ to     
*ange 8 tactics4 ,he decid$ to boycott !
 enemy4 ,no ,burman 0 to accept s]vice  
"u him1 to give him in=mation or        
supplies1 to be 8 guide1 or to assi/ him
 9 any way4 ,?is rule ,maung ,ya+ made  
g5]ally kn[n1 & he ann\nc$ 8 int5tion ( 

en=c+ x ) rig\r4 ,he did s4 ,!re 0 a    
head man ( a village ne> ,%emmaga :om he
 execut$ because he _h act$ z guide to a
 body ( troops1 & he cut (f all supplies
 f ! int]ior1 ly+ on ! roads1 & /opp+   
all m5 f ent]+ ,%emmaga4 ,he fur!r issu$
 a notice t ! inhabitants ( ,%emmaga    
itself %\ld leave ! t[n4 ,!y c\ld n move
 ! g>rison1 !re=e ! p mu/ move !mselves4
 ,no assi/ance mu/ be giv5 to ! enemy4  
,! villag]s ( ,%emmaga1 mo/ly small     
trad]s 9 salt & rice1 7 naturally av]se 
to leav+4 ,?is trade 0 _! only means (  
livelihood1 ! h\ses _! only homes1 & !y 
did n l ! idea ( go+ out into ! unkn[n  
c\ntry beh9d4 ,moreov]1 ! exaction by   
,maung ,ya+ ( money & supplies = 8 m5   
fell mo/ heavily on ! weal?i] m51 & on !
 :ole !y 7 n sorry to h ! ,engli%       
g>rison 9 ! t[n1 s t !y c\ld trade 9    
peace4 ,"s few left1 b mo/ did n1 & ?\gh
 !y collect$ money1 & s5t x to ,maung   
,ya+1 !y at ! same "t told ! ,engli%    
(fic] 9 comm& ( ,maung ,ya+'s ?reats1 & 
begg$ t great c>e %\ld be tak5 ( ! t[n1 

= ,maung ,ya+ 0 v angry4 ,:5 he f\nd he 
c\ld n cause ! ab&onm5t ( ! t[n1 he s5t 
9 ^w to say t he w\ld burn x4 ,n ?ree   
hundr$ =eign]s1 nor ?ree ?\s&1 %\ld     
protect ^! lazy1 unpatriotic folk f 8   
v5geance4 ,he gave !m till ! new moon ( 
a c]ta9 mon?1 & if ! t[n 7 n evacuat$ by
 t "t he decl>$ t he w\ld de/roy x4 ,he 
w\ld burn x d[n1 & kill c]ta9 m5 :om he 
m5tion$1 :o _h be5 ! pr9cipal assi/ants 
( ! =eign]s4 ,?is w>n+ 0 q public1 &    
came to ! e>s ( ! ,engli% (fic] almo/ at
 once4 ,:5 he he>d x he laugh$4  ,he _h 
?ree hundr$ m51 & ! rebels _h ?ree      
hundr$4 ,8 7 all magnific5tly tra9$ &   
drill$ troops1 m5 made = w>2 ! ,burmans 
7 peasants1 un>m$1 untra9$4 ,he 0 sure  
he c\ld defeat ?ree ?\s& ( !m1 or t5    
times t numb]1 ) 8 little =ce1 & s1 (   
c\rse1 he c\ld if he met !m 9 ! op52 no 
"o knew t bett]1 by bitt] exp]i5ce1 ?an 
,maung ,ya+4 ,! villag]s1 too1 knew1 b  
nev]!less !y 7 /rick5 ) fe>1 = ,maung   
,ya+ 0 a man ( 8 ^w4 ,he 0 z good z 8   
?reat4  ,"o night1 at midnight1 ! face (

 ! =t :]e ! ,ghurkas liv$ on ! hill 0   
sudd5ly attack$4 ,out ( ! bru%wood ne>  
by a heavy fire 0 op5$ ^u ! brea/work1 &
 !re 0 %\t+ & beat+ ( gongs4 ,s all !   
,ghurkas turn$ out 9 a hurry1 & ran to  
man ! brea/work1 & ! return fire became 
hot & heavy4 ,9 a mom5t1 z x seem$1 !   
attack]s 7 9 ! village4 ,!y _h bur/ 9 ! 
nor? gate by ! riv] face1 kill$ !       
,burmese gu>d on x1 & /ream$ 94 ,!y lit 
tor*es f a fire !y f\nd burn+1 & 9 a    
mom5t ! village 0 on fire4 ,look+ d[n f 
! hill1 y c\ld see ! village ru%+ into  
flame1 & 9 ! lurid light m5 & wom5 &    
*ildr5 runn+ ab\t wildly4 ,!re 7 %\ts & 
screams & %ots4 ,no "o :o has nev] he>d 
x1 nev] se5 x1 c "k :at a village is l  
:5 ! enemy has bur/ 9 at night4 ,ev]yone
 is mad ) hate1 ) despair1 ) t]ror4 ,!y 
run to & fro1 seek+ to kill1 seek+ to   
escape be+ kill$4 ,x is impossible to   
tell "o f ano!r4 ,! brave/ man is       
dismay$4 ,& ! noise is l a great moan   
com+ out ( ! night1 pi]c$ ) %>p cries4  
,x rises & falls1 l ! dea?-cry ( a dy+  

giant4 ,x is ! mo/ t]rible s\nd 9 ! _w4 
,x makes ! he>t /op4  ,to ! ,ghurkas ?is
 sight & s\nd came all ( a sudd51 z !y 7
 def5d+ :at !y took to be a det]m9$     
attack on _! own position4 ,! village 0 
lo/ ere !y knew x 0 attack$4 ,& two     
/eam]s full ( troops1 an*or$ (f ! t[n1  
saw x1 too4 ,!y 7 on _! way up c\ntry1 &
 _h halt$ !re t night1 an*or$ 9 ! /ream4
 ,!y 7 close by1 b c\ld n fire1 = !re 0 
no tell+ fri5d f foe4  ,be=e ! relief   
p>ty ( ,ghurkas c\ld come sw>m+ d[n !   
hill1 only two hundr$ y>ds1 be=e ! boats
 c\ld l& ! eag] troops f ! /eam]s1 !    
rebels 7 gone4 ,!y w5t ?r\gh ! village &
 out ( ! s\? gate4 ,!y _h fulfill$ _!   
?reat & de/roy$ ! t[n4 ,!y _h kill$ ! m5
 !y _h decl>$ !y w\ld kill4 ,! fir+ di$ 
away f ! =t side1 & ! enemy 7 gone1 no  
"o c\ld tell :i!r1 into ! night4  ,su* a
 sc5e ( desolation z t village 0 next   
day6 ,x 0 all de/roy$--e h\se4 ,all !   
food 0 gone1 all furniture1 all clo!s1  
ev]y?+1 & "h & !re 0 a corpse 9 among ! 
black5$ c9d]s4 ,! :ole c\ntryside 0     

t]ror-/rick5 at ?is failure to def5d ^? 
:o _h dep5d$ on u4  ,i d n ?9k ?is 0 a  
p>ticul>ly gallant act1 b x 0 a v able  
"o4 ,x 0 c]ta9ly w>4 ,x taught u a v    
sev]e lesson--m sev]e ?an a p]sonal     
rev]se w\ld h be54 ,x /ruck t]ror 9 !   
c\ntryside4 ,! memory ( x hamp]$ u = v  
long2 ev5 n[ !y (t5 talk ( x4 ,x 0 a    
brutal act--t ( a brig&1 n a soldi]4  ,b
 !re 0 no want ( c\rage4 ,if ^! m51     
inf]ior 9 numb]1 9 arms1 9 ev]y?+1 c\ld 
d ?is "u ! lead ( a robb] *ief1 :at w\ld
 !y n h done if well l$1 if well tra9$1 
if well arm$8  ,( desp]ate enc\nt]s     
betwe5 our troops & ! insurg5ts ,i c\ld 
tell _m a /ory4 ,i h myself se5 su*     
fights4 ,!y ne>ly always end$ 9 our     
fav\r--h[ c\ld x be o!rwise8  ,!re 0 ,ta
 ,te1 :o occupi$ a pagoda enclosure ) "s
 eighty m51 & 0 attack$ by our m\nt$    
infantry4 ,!re 0 a long fight 9 t hot   
aft]noon1 & v soon ! insurg5ts'         
ammunition began to fail1 & ! pagoda 0  
/orm$4 ,_m m5 7 kill$1 & ,ta ,te1 :5 8  
m5 7 ne>ly all dead1 & 8 ammunition q   

exp5d$1 climb$ up ! pagoda wall1 & twi/$
 (f pieces ( ! cem5t & ?rew !m at !     
troops4 ,he w\ld n surr5d]--n he--& he 0
 kill$4 ,!re 7 _m l him4 ,! :ole w> 0   
little affairs ( ?is k9d--a hundr$1 ?ree
 hundr$1 ( our m51 & mu* ! same1 or a   
little m1 ( !irs4 ,!y only once or twice
 rais$ a =ce ( two ?\s& m54 ,no?+ c     
speak m =cibly ( _! want ( organization 
?an ?is4 ,! :ole c\ntry 0 p]vad$ by b&s 
( fifty or a hundr$ m51 v r>ely am\nt+  
to m ?an two hundr$1 nev]1 ,i ?9k1 to   
five hundr$1 arm$ m51 & no two b&s ev]  
act$ 9 conc]t4  ,x is probable t mo/ ( !
 be/ m5 ( ! c\ntry 7 aga9/ u4 ,x is     
c]ta91 ,i ?9k1 t ( ^? :o op5ly jo9$ u & 
accompani$ u 9 our exp$ition1 v1 v few 7
 o!r ?an m5 :o _h "s private grudge to  
av5ge1 or "s purpose to ga91 by oppos+  
_! own p4 ,( su* z ^! y _c expect v mu*4
 ,& yet !re 7 exceptions--m5 :o %[$ up  
all ! m brilliantly because !y 7        
exceptions--m5 :om ,i %all always hon\r4
 ,!re 7 two ,i rememb] be/ ( all4 ,!y   
are bo? dead n[4  ,"o 0 ! elde/ son ( ! 

h]$it>y gov]nor ( a "p ( ! c\ntry call$ 
,kawl94 ,x is 9 ! nor?-we/ ( ,upp]      
,burma1 & bord]$ on a semi-indep5d5t    
/ate call$ ,wun?o4 ,9 ! tr\bles t       
occurr$ aft] ! deposition ( ,k+ ,?ibaw1 
! ,pr9ce ( ,wun?o ?\ght t he w\ld be    
able to make = himself an indep5d5t     
k+dom1 & he began by annex+ ,kawl94 ,s !
 gov]nor _h to flee1 & ) him 8 sons1 &  
naturally en\gh !y jo9$ our columns :5  
we advanc$ 9 t direction1 hop+ to be    
replac$4 ,!y 7 replac$1 ! fa!r z gov]nor
 "u ! direction ( an ,engli% magi/rate1 
& ! son z 8 assi/ant4 ,!y 7 only kept   
!re by our troops1 & upheld 9 au?ority  
by our p[] aga9/ ,wun?o4 ,b !y 7 desir$ 
by _m ( _! own p1 & s1 p]haps1 !y c\ld  
h>dly be call$ traitors1 z _m ( ^? :o   
jo9$ u 74 ,! fa!r 0 a useless old man1 b
 8 son1 he ( :om ,i speak1 0 brave &    
hon\rable1 good temp]$ & c\rte\s1 beyond
 mo/ m5 :om ,i h met4 ,x 0 well kn[n t  
he 0 ! real p[] beh9d 8 fa!r4 ,x 0 he :o
 assi/$ u 9 an attempt to quell !       
insurrections & cat* ! raid]s t tr\bl$  

our peace1 & _m a "t !y tri$ to kill    
him1 _m a "t to murd] him z he slept4   
,!re 0 a l>ge gang ( insurg5ts :o came  
across ! ,mu ,riv] "o day1 & robb$ "o ( 
8 villages1 s a squadron ( cavalry 0 s5t
 9 pursuit4 ,we travell$ fa/ & long1 b  
we c\ld n cat* ! raid]s4 ,we cross$ !   
,mu into unkn[n c\ntry1 foll[+ _!       
tracks1 & at la/1 be+ )\t guides1 we    
camp$ t night 9 a little mona/]y 9 !    
=e/4 ,at midnight we 7 attack$4 ,a road 
ran ?r\gh our camp1 & !re 0 a picket at 
ea* end ( ! road1 & s5tries 7 d\bl$4  ,x
 0 j aft] midnight t ! fir/ %ot 0 fir$4 
,we 7 all asleep :5 a sudd5 volley 0    
p\r$ into ! s\? picket1 kill+ "o s5try &
 w\nd+ ano!r4 ,!re 0 no "t to dress1 &  
we ran d[n ! /eps z we 7 79 sleep+      
dresses71 to f9d ! m5 rapidly fall+ 91 &
 ! horses kick+ at _! pickets4 ,x 0     
pit*-d>k4 ,! mona/]y 0 on a little cle>$
 space1 & !re 0 =e/ all r\nd t look$ v  
black4 ,j z we came to ! foot ( ! /eps  
an outbreak ( fir+ & %\ts came f ! nor?1
 & ! ,burmese tri$ to ru% our camp f    

!re2 !n !y tri$ to ru% x aga9 f ! s\?1 b
 all _! attempts 7 baffl$ by ! /ead9ess 
( ! pickets & ! re9=cem5ts t 7 runn+ up4
 ,s ! ,burmese1 f9d+ ! surprise         
ineffectual1 & t ! camp c\ld n be tak51 
spread !mselves ab\t 9 ! =e/ 9 vantage  
places1 & fir$ into ! camp4 ,no?+ c\ld  
be se5 except ! dazzl+ fla%es f _! guns 
z !y fir$ "h & !re1 & ! d>kness 0 all ! 
d>k] = ^? fla%es ( flame1 t cut x l     
swords4 ,x 0 v cold4 ,i _h left my      
blanket 9 ! mona/]y1 & no "o 0 all[$ to 
asc5d1 because !re1 ( all places1 !     
bullets flew ?icke/1 cru%+ ?r\gh ! mat  
walls1 & go+ into ! teak po/s ) a ?ud4  
,!re 0 no?+ we c\ld d4 ,! m51 plac$ 9   
due ord] ab\t ! camp1 fir$ back at !    
fla%es ( ! enemy's guns4 ,t 0 all !y _h 
to fire at4 ,x 0 n mu* guide4 ,! (fic]s 
w5t f picket to picket enc\rag+ ! m51 b 
,i _h no duty2 :5 fight+ began my "w z a
 civilian 0 at a /&/ill4 ,i sat & %iv]$ 
) cold "u ! mona/]y1 & wi%$ = ! dawn4 ,9
 a pause ( ! fir+ y c\ld he> ! foll[]s  
hamm]+ ! pegs t held ! foot-ropes ( !   

horses4 ,!n ! dead & w\nd$ 7 br\ght &   
put ne> me1 & 9 ! d5se d>k ! doctor tri$
 to f9d out :at injuries ! m5 _h        
receiv$1 & dress !m z well z he c\ld4   
,no light d>e be lit4 ,! night seem$    
int]m9able4 ,!re 7 no />s1 = a d5se mi/ 
hung above ! trees4 ,aft] an h\r or two 
! fir+ slack5$ a little1 & pres5tly1 )  
great caution1 a little lamp1 c>efully  
%r\d$ ) a blanket1 0 lit4 ,a sudd5 bur/ 
( %ots t came spl9t]+ into ! po/s beside
 u caus$ ! lamp to be hurri$ly put out2 
b pres5tly x 0 lit aga91 & ) inf9ite    
caution "o man 0 dress$4 ,at la/ a      
little v fa9t silv] dawn came gleam+    
?r\gh ! tree-tops--! mo/ beautiful sight
 ,i ev] saw--& ! fir+ /opp$4 ,! dawn    
came quickly d[n1 & v soon we 7 able    
once m to see :at we 7 ab\t1 & c\nt our 
losses4  ,!n we mov$ out4 ,we _h h>dly  
any hope ( cat*+ ! enemy1 we :o 7 9 a   
/range c\ntry1 :o 7 m\nt$ on horses1 &  
_h a heavy transport1 & !y :o knew e    
/ream & rav9e1 & _h e villag] = a spy4  
,s we mov$ back a m>* into a m op5      

c\ntry1 :]e we hop$ = bett] news1 & two 
days lat] t news came4     ,,*apt] ,,vi 
,,w>--,,ii       ',nev] 9 ! _w does     
hatr$ cease by hatr$4 ,hatr$ ceases by  
love4'--,dammapada4   ,we 7 encamp$ at a
 little mona/]y 9 "s fields by a        
village1 ) a riv] 9 front4 ,up 9 !      
mona/]y !re 0 b room = ! (fic]s1 s small
 0 x1 & ! m5 7 camp$ b5ea? x 9 little   
%elt]s4 ,x 0 two o'clock1 & v hot1 & we 
7 j ab\t to take tiff91 :5 news came t a
 p>ty ( arm$ m5 _h be5 se5 pass+ a      
little nor? ( u4 ,x 0 suppos$ !y 7 b\nd 
to a village kn[n to be a v bad         
"o--,laka--& t !y w\ld camp !re4 ,s     
'boot & saddle' rang f ! trumpets1 & 9 a
 few mom5ts lat] we 7 (f1 fifty lances4 
,j z we />t$1 8 old ,h9do/ani ,*ri/ian  
s]vant came up to my fri5d1 ! comm&ant1 
& gave him a little pap]4 ',put x 9 y\r 
pocket1 sahib1' he said4 ,! comm&ant _h 
no "t to talk1 no "t ev5 to look at :at 
x c\ld be4 ,he j cramm$ x into 8        
brea/-pocket1 & we rode on4 ,! gov]nor's
 son 0 our guide1 & he l$ u ?r\gh w9d+  

lanes into a pass 9 ! l[ hills4 ,! road 
0 v n>r[1 & ! heavy =e/ came d[n to our 
elb[s z we pass$4 ,n[ & aga9 we cross$ !
 /ream1 :i* _h b little wat] 9 x1 & !   
pa? w\ld skirt its banks = a:ile4 ,x 0  
beautiful c\ntry1 b we _h no "t to      
notice x !n1 = we 7 9 a hurry1 & :5ev] !
 road w\ld all[ we trott$ & cant]$4     
,aft] five or six miles ( ?is we turn$ a
 spur ( ! hills1 & came out into a      
little grass-glade on ! banks ( ! /ream1
 & at ! f> end ( ?is 0 ! village :]e we 
expect$ to f9d ^? :om we s\ght4 ,!y saw 
u fir/1 hav+ a look-out on a high tree  
by ! edge ( ! =e/2 & z our advanc$ gu>d 
came trott+ into ! op51 he fir$4 ,! %ot 
e*o$ f> up ! hills l an angry %\t1 & we 
c\ld see a sudd5 /ir 9 ! village--m5    
runn+ out ( ! h\ses ) guns & swords1 &  
wom5 & *ildr5 runn+1 too1 poor ?+s6 sick
 ) fe>4 ,!y fir$ at u f ! village f5ce1 
b _h no "t to close ! gate ere our s[>s 
7 94 ,!n !y escap$ 9 v>i\s ways to ! =e/
 & scrub1 runn+ l madm5 across ! little 
bit ( op51 & fir+ at u directly !y rea*$

 %elt] :]e ! cavalry c\ld n come4 ,(    
c\rse1 9 ! op5 !y _h no *ance1 b 9 !    
d5se =e/ !y 7 safe en\gh4 ,! village 0  
soon cle>$1 & !n we _h to return4 ,x 0  
no good to wait4 ,! valley 0 v n>r[1 & 0
 comm&$ f bo? its sides1 :i* 7 v /eep & 
d5se ) =e/4 ,beyond ! village !re 0 only
 =e/ aga94 ,we _h done :at we c\ld3 we  
_h inflict$ a v sev]e puni%m5t on !m2 x 
0 no good wait+1 s we return$4 ,!y fir$ 
on u ne>ly all ! way1 hid+ 9 ! ?ick =e/1
 & p]*$ on high rocks4 ,at "o place our 
m5 _h to be dism\nt$ to cle> a          
brea/work1 run up to fire at u f4 ,all !
 =e/ 0 full ( voices--voices ( m5 & wom5
 & ev5 *ildr5--curs+ our guide4 ,!y cri$
 8 "n1 t ! spirits ( ! hills might      
rememb] t x 0 he :o _h br\ght desolation
 to _! village4 ,figures />t$ up on     
p9nacles ( cliff1 & curs$ him z he rode 
by4 ,u !y did n curse2 x 0 our guide4   
,& s aft] "s tr\ble we got back4 ,t b&  
nev] attack$ u aga94  ,z we 7 dism\nt+1 
my fri5d put 8 h& 9 8 pocket1 & f\nd !  
little pap]4 ,he took x out1 look$ at x1

 & :5 8 s]vant came up to him he gave ! 
pap] back ) a curi\s little smile full (
 _m ?\ghts4 ',y see1' he said1 ',i am   
safe4 ,no bullet has hit me4' ,& !      
s]vant's eyes 7 dim4 ,he _h be5 v long )
 8 ma/]1 & lov$ him1 z did all :o knew  
him4 ',x 0 ! goodness ( ,god1' he       
said--'! great goodness ( ,god4 ,w n !  
sahib keep ! pap]8' ,b ! sahib w\ld n4  
',y may ne$ x z well z ,i4 ,:o c tell 9 
?is w>8' ,& he return$ x4  ,& ! pap]8 ,x
 0 a pray]--a pray] us$ by ! ,roman     
,ca?olic ,*ur*1 pr9t$ on a %eet ( pap]4 
,at ! top 0 a r$ cross4 ,! pap] 0 old & 
worn1 creas$ at ! edges2 x _h evid5tly  
be5 mu* us$1 mu* read4 ,su* 0 ! *>m t   
kept ! soldi] f dang]4  ,! nights 7 cold
 !n1 :5 ! sun _h set1 & aft] d9n] we us$
 to h a camp-fire built ( wood f ! =e/1 
to sit r\nd = a "t & talk be=e turn+ 94 
,! native (fic]s ( ! cavalry w\ld come &
 sit ) u1 & "o or two ( ! ,burmans1 too4
 ,we 7 a v mix$ assembly4 ,i rememb] "o 
night v well--,i ?9k x mu/ h be5 ! v    
night aft] ! fight at ,laka1 & we 7 all 

( u r\nd ! fire4 ,i rememb] !re 0 a     
half-moon b5d+ t[>ds ! we/1 ?r[+ t5d]   
lights ^u ! hills1 & turn+ into a silv] 
gauze ! light :ite mi/ t lay ^u !       
rice-fields4 ,opposite to u1 across !   
little riv]1 a ridge ( hill ran d[n into
 ! wat] t b5t r\nd its foot4 ,! ridge 0 
cov]$ ) =e/1 v black1 ) silv] edges on !
 sky-l9e4 ,x 0 out ( range = a ,burmese 
fl9t-gun1 or we %\ld n h camp$ s ne> x4 
,on all ! o!r sides ! fields /ret*$ away
 till !y end$ 9 ! =e/ t gloom$ beyond4  
,i 0 talk+ to ! gov]nor's son 7our guide
 ( ! fight at ,laka7 ( ! prospects ( !  
future1 & ( ! int5tions ( ! ,pr9ce (    
,wun?o1 9 ^: c\ntry ,laka lay4 ,i rem>k$
 to him h[ ! ,burmans ( ,wun?o seem$ to 
hate him1 ( h[ !y _h curs$ him f !      
hills1 & he admitt$ t x 0 true4 ',all   
except my fri5ds1' he said1 'hate me4 ,&
 yet :at h ,i done8 ,i _h to help my    
fa!r to get back 8 gov]nor%ip4 ,!y =get 
t !y attack$ u fir/4'  ,he w5t on to    
tell me ( h[ e day he 0 ?reat5$1 ( h[ he
 0 sure !y w\ld murd] him "s "t1 because

 he _h jo9$ u4 ',!y are sure to kill me 
"s "t1' he said4 ,he seem$ sad &        
depress$1 n afraid4  ,s we talk$ on1 &  
,i ask$ him ab\t *>ms4 ',are !re n *>ms 
t w prev5t y be+ hurt if y are hit1 & t 
w n all[ a sword to cut y8 ,we he> (    
invuln]able m54 ,!re 7 ! ,immortals ( ! 
,k+'s ,gu>d1 = in/ance4'  ,& he said1   
yes1 !re 7 *>ms1 b no "o believ$ 9 !m   
except ! villag]s4 ,he did n1 nor did m5
 ( education4 ,( c\rse1 ! ignorant p    
believ$ 9 !m4 ,!re 7 sev]al sorts (     
*>ms4 ,y c\ld be tattoo$ ) c]ta9 my/ic  
lett]s t 7 said to insure y aga9/ be+   
hit1 & !re 7 c]ta9 m$ic9es y c\ld dr9k4 
,!re 7 also *>ms made out ( /one1 su* z 
a little tortoise he _h once se5 t 0    
said to protect its we>]4 ,!re 7 my/]i\s
 writ+s on palm-leaves4 ,!re 7 m51 he   
said vaguely1 :o knew h[ to make ^! ?+s4
 ,= himself1 he did n believe 9 !m4  ,i 
tri$ to le>n f him !n1 & ,i h tri$ f    
o!rs s9ce1 :e!r ^! *>ms h any connection
 ) ,buddhism4 ,i _c f9d t !y h4 ,!y are 
nev] 9 ! =m ( images ( ! ,buddha1 or (  

extracts f ! sacr$ writ+s4 ,!re is n1 s 
f> z ,i c make out1 any religi\s        
significance 9 ^! *>ms2 mo/ly !y are    
simply my/]i\s4 ,i nev] he>d t ! p      
connect !m ) _! religion4 ,inde$1 all   
=ms ( en*antm5t & ( *>ms are mo/ /rictly
 prohibit$4 ,"o ( ! v[s t monks take is 
nev] to h any deal+s ) *>ms or ) !      
sup]natural1 & s ,buddhism _c ev5 give  
su* little assi/ance to its believ]s z  
to furni% !m ) *>ms4 ,if !y h *>ms1 x is
 aga9/ _! fai?2 x is a fall+ away f !   
purity ( _! tea*+s2 x is simply ! innate
 ye>n+ ( man to ! sup]natural1 to !     
my/]i\s4 ,man's passions are v /rong1 & 
if he mu/ fight1 he mu/ also h a *>m to 
protect him 9 fight4 ,if 8 religion _c  
give x him1 he mu/ f9d x else:]e4 ,y see
 t1 z ! tea*+s ( ! ,buddha h nev] be5   
able to be twi/$ s z to p]mit w>        
directly1 nei!r h !y be5 able to assi/  
indirectly by furni%+ *>ms1 by mak+ !   
fight] bullet-pro(4 ,& ,i ?\ght !n ( !  
little pray] & ! cross t 7 s c]ta9 a    
def5ce aga9/ hurt4  ,we talk$ = a long  

"t 9 ! wan+ moonlight by ! ruddy fire1 &
 at la/ we broke up to g to b$4 ,z we   
rose a voice call$ to u across ! wat] f 
! little promontory4 ,9 ! /ill night e  
^w 0 z cle> z ! note ( a gong4  ',sleep 
well1' x cri$--'sleep well--sle-e-ep    
we-l-l4'  ,we all /ood a/oni%$--^? :o   
did n "k ,burmese wond]+ at ! voice2 ^? 
:o did1 wond]+ at ! mean+4 ,! s5tries   
pe]$ ke5ly t[>ds ! s\nd4  ',sleep well1'
 ! voice cri$ aga92 'eat well4 ,x w n be
 = long4 ,sleep well :ile y may4'  ,&   
!n1 aft] a pause1 x call$ ! gov]nor's   
son's "n1 & ',traitor1 traitor6' till ! 
hills 7 full ( s\nd4  ,! ,burman turn$  
away4  ',y see1' he said1 'h[ !y hate   
me4 ,:at w\ld be ! good ( *>ms8'  ,!    
voice 0 quiet1 & ! camp sank into       
/illness1 & ere long ! moon set1 & x 0 q
 d>k4  ,he 0 a brave man1 &1 inde$1 !re 
are _m brave m5 among/ ! ,burmese4 ,!y  
kill leop>ds ) /icks & /ones v (t51 &   
ev5 tig]s4 ,!y take _! frail little     
canoes across ! ,irrawaddy 9 flood 9 a  
mo/ d>+ way4 ,!y 9 no way want =        

physical c\rage1 b !y h nev] made a cult
 ( brav]y2 x has nev] be5 a necessity to
 !m2 x has nev] occurr$ to !m t x is !  
prime virtue ( a man4 ,y w he> !m       
confess 9 ! calme/ way1 ',i 0 afraid4'  
,we w\ld n d t2 we %\ld be mu* m afraid 
to say x4 ,& ! tea*+ ( ,buddhism is all 
9 fav\r ( ?is4 ,n[h]e is c\rage--,i mean
 aggressive c\rage--prais$4 ,no soldi]  
c\ld be a f]v5t ,buddhi/2 no nation (   
,buddhi/s c\ld be good soldi]s2 = n only
 does ,buddhism n inculcate brav]y1 b x 
does n inculcate ob$i5ce4 ,ea* man is ! 
rul] ( 8 life1 b ! v ess5ce ( good      
fight+ is discipl9e1 & discipl9e1       
subjection1 is unkn[n to ,buddhism4     
,!re=e ! inh]5t c\rage ( ! ,burmans c\ld
 h no assi/ance f _! fai? 9 any way1 b !
 v contr>y3 x f\ght aga9/ !m4  ,!re is  
no flexibility 9 ,buddhism4 ,x is a law1
 & no?+ c *ange x4 ,laws are = ev] & =  
ev]1 & !re are no exceptions to !m4 ,!  
law ( ! ,buddha is aga9/ w>--w> ( any   
k9d at all--& !re c be no exception4 ,& 
s e ,burman :o f\ght aga9/ u knew t he 0

 s9n+4 ,he did x ) 8 eyes op52 he c\ld  
nev] imag9e any exception 9 8 fav\r4    
,nev] c\ld he 9 8 biv\ac look at ! />s1 
& imag9e t any p[] look$ d[n 9          
approbation ( 8 de$s4 ,no "o f\ght =    
him4 ,our bayonets & lances 7 no keys to
 op5 to him ! gates ( p>adise2 no monks 
c\ld come & close 8 dy+ eyes ) promises 
( rew>ds to come4 ,he 0 s9n+1 & he mu/  
suff] long & t]ribly = ?is brea* ( !    
laws ( righte\sness4  ,if su* be ! fai? 
( ! p1 & if !y believe _! fai?1 x is a  
t]rible h&icap to !m 9 any fight2 x     
deliv]s !m b\nd into ! h&s ( ! enemy4   
,su* is ,buddhism4  ,b x mu/ nev] be    
=gott5 t1 if ?is fai? does n assi/ !    
believ] 9 def5ce1 nei!r does x 9 (f5ce4 
,:at is s t]rible z a w> ( religion8    
,!re c nev] be a w> ( ,buddhism4  ,no   
ravi%$ c\ntry has ev] borne witness to !
 pr[ess ( ! foll[]s ( ! ,buddha2 no     
murd]$ m5 h p\r$ out _! blood on _!     
he>?/ones1 kill$ 9 8 "n2 no ru9$ wom5 h 
curs$ 8 "n to high ,heav54 ,he & 8 fai? 
are clean ( ! /a9 ( blood4 ,he 0 !      

prea*] ( ! ,great ,peace1 ( love1 (     
*>ity1 ( compassion1 & s cle> is 8 tea*+
 t x c nev] be misund]/ood4 ,w>s (      
invasion ! ,burmese h wag$1 t is true1 9
 ,siam1 9 ,assam1 & 9 ,pegu4 ,!y are b  
m51 & m5 w fight4 ,if !y 7 p]fect 9 _!  
fai?1 ! race w\ld h di$ out long ago4   
,!y h f\ght1 b !y h nev] f\ght 9 ! "n ( 
_! fai?4 ,!y h nev] be5 able to         
pro/itute its tea*+s to _! own wants4   
,:atev] ! ,burmans h done1 !y h kept _! 
fai? pure4 ,:5 !y h (f5d$ aga9/ ! laws (
 ! ,buddha !y h done s op5ly4 ,_! s\ls  
are guiltless ( hypocrisy--= :atev] t   
may avail !m4 ,!y h kn[n ! diff]5ce     
betwe5 good & evil1 ev5 if !y h n always
 foll[$ ! good4     ,,*apt] ,,vii       
,,gov]nm5t       ',fire1 wat]1 /orms1   
robb]s1 rul]s--^! are ! five great      
evils4'--,burmese say+4   ,x w\ld be    
difficult1 ,i ?9k1 to imag9e any?+ worse
 ?an ! gov]nm5t ( ,upp] ,burma 9 its    
lat] days4 ,i mean by 'gov]nm5t' ! k+ & 
8 c\nsellors & ! great] (ficials ( !    
empire4 ,! managem5t ( =eign affairs1 ( 

! army1 ! suppression ( great] crimes1 !
 c>e ( ! means ( communication1 all ^?  
duties :i* fall to ! c5tral gov]nm5t1 7 
badly done1 if done at all4 ,x mu/ be   
rememb]$ t !re 0 "o difficulty 9 !      
way--! abs5ce ( any noble or leisur$    
class to be entru/$ ) ! great] (fices4  
,z ,i h %[n 9 ano!r *apt]1 !re 0 no "o  
betwe5 ! k+ & ! villag]--no noble1 no   
l&[n]1 no weal?y or educat$ class at    
all4 ,! k+ _h to seek = 8 m9i/]s among !
 ord9>y p1 consequ5tly ! m5 :o 7 call$  
^u to fill great (fices ( /ate 7 z (t5 z
 n m5 :o _h no exp]i5ce beyond ! n>r[   
limits ( a village4  ,! bread? ( view1 !
 k ( o!r c\ntries1 ( o!r ?\ghts1 t comes
 to ^? :o h weal? & leisure1 7 want+ to 
^! m9i/]s ( ! k+4 ,natural capacity _m (
 !m _h1 b t is n ( mu* value until x is 
cultivat$4 ,y _c le>n 9 ! n>r[ prec9cts 
( a village ! k necess>y to ! managem5t 
( great affairs2 & !re=e 9 affairs (    
/ate ?is want ( any noble or leisur$    
class 0 a v s]i\s loss to ! gov]nm5t (  
,burma4 ,x _h great & c\nt]vail+        

advantages1 ( :i* ,i w speak :5 ,i come 
to local gov]nm5t1 b t x 0 a heavy loss 
z f> z ! c5tral gov]nm5t goes no "o c   
d\bt4 ,!re 0 none ( t *eck ^u ! p[] ( ! 
k+ :i* a p[]ful nobility w give2 !re 0  
no tra9$ tal5t at 8 disposal4 ,! k+     
rema9$ absolutely supreme1 ) no "o ne> 8
 ?rone1 & ! m9i/]s 7 m]e puppets1 "h    
to-day & gone to-morr[4 ,!y liv$ by !   
brea? ( ! k+ & c\rt1 & :5 !y lo/ fav\r  
!re 0 none to help !m4 ,!y _h no faction
 beh9d !m to uphold !m aga9/ ! k+4 ,x c 
easily be und]/ood h[ disa/r\s all ?is 0
 to any =m ( good gov]nm5t4 ,all ^!     
m9i/]s & gov]nors 7 corrupt2 !re 0      
corruption to ! core4  ,:5 x is und]/ood
 t h>dly any (ficial 0 paid1 & t ^? :o 7
 paid 7 insuffici5tly paid1 & _h        
unlimit$ p[]1 !re w be no difficulty 9  
see+ ! reason4 ,9 circum/ances l ?is all
 p w\ld be corrupt4 ,! only securities  
aga9/ brib]y & abuse ( p[] are adequate 
pay1 re/rict$ au?ority1 & great         
publicity4 ,none ( ^! obta9$ 9 ,burma   
any m ?an 9 ! ,europe ( five hundr$ ye>s

 ago1 & ! result 0 ! same 9 bo?4 ,!     
c5tral gov]nm5t consi/$ ( ! k+1 :o _h no
 limit at all to 8 p[]1 & ! c\ncil (    
m9i/]s1 ^: only *eck 0 ! k+4 ,!         
executive & judicial 7 all ! same3 !re 0
 no appeal f "o to ! o!r4 ,! only appeal
 f ! m9i/]s 0 to ! k+1 & z ! k+ %ut     
himself up 9 8 palace1 & 0 practically  
inaccessible to all b high (ficials1 !  
wor?lessness ( ?is appeal is evid5t4    
,outside ,m&alay ! c\ntry 0 gov]n$ by   
wuns or gov]nors4 ,^! 7 appo9t$ by ! k+1
 or by ! c\ncil1 or by bo?1 & !y obta9$ 
_! position by brib]y4 ,_! t5ure 0      
exce$+ly insecure1 z any man :o came &  
gave a bigg] bribe 0 likely to obta9 !  
=m] gov]nor's dismissal & 8 own         
appo9tm5t4 ,consequ5tly ! usual t5ure ( 
(fice ( a gov]nor 0 a ye>4 ,(t5 !re 7   
half a doz5 gov]nors 9 a ye>2 sometimes 
a man ) /rong influ5ce manag$ to reta9 8
 position = "s ye>s4 ,f ! ord]s ( !     
gov]nor !re 0 an appeal to ! c\ncil4    
,?is 0 9 "s matt]s useful1 b 9 o!rs n s4
 ,if a gov]nor s5t5c$ a man to dea?--all

 gov]nors _h p[] ( life & dea?--he w\ld 
be execut$ long be=e an appeal c\ld rea*
 ! c\ncil4 ,practically no *eck 0       
possible by ! palace ov] di/ant         
gov]nors1 & !y did z !y lik$4 ,any?+ m  
disa/r\s & fatal to any k9d ( good      
gov]nm5t ?an ?is x is impossible to     
imag9e4 ,! gov]nors did :at !y consid]$ 
"r 9 _! own eyes1 & made z mu* money z  
!y c\ld1 :ile !y c\ld4 ,!y collect$ !   
taxes & z mu* m z !y c\ld get2 !y       
adm9i/]$ ! laws ( ,manu 9 civil &       
crim9al affairs1 except :5 tempt$ to    
deviate !refrom by good reasons2 !y     
c>ri$ out ord]s receiv$ f ,m&alay1 :5 ^!
 ord]s fell 9 ) _! own desires1 or :5 !y
 consid]$ t disob$i5ce might be dang]\s4
 ,x is a ,burmese prov]b t (ficials are 
"o ( ! five great enemies ( mank9d1 &   
!re 01 ,i ?9k 7at all ev5ts 9 ! latt]   
days ( ! k+dom7 good reason to rememb]  
x4 ,& yet ^! (ficials 7 n bad m5 9      
!mselves2 on ! contr>y1 _m ( !m 7 m5 (  
good purpose1 ( natural hone/y1 ( "r    
pr9ciples4 ,9 a well-organiz$ sy/em !y  

w\ld h done well1 b ! sy/em 0 rott5 to !
 core4  ,x may be ask$ :y ! ,burmese p  
rema9$ quiet "u su* a rule z ?is2 :y !y 
did n rise & de/roy x1 rais+ a new "o 9 
its place2 h[ x 0 t su* a /ate (        
corruption la/$ = a ye>1 let alone = _m 
ye>s4  ,! answ] is ?is3 ,h[ev] bad !    
gov]nm5t may h be51 x _h ! qualities (  
its defects4 ,if x did n d mu* to help !
 p1 x did little to h9d] !m4 ,to a great
 ext5t x left !m alone to manage _! own 
affairs 9 _! own way4 ,burma 9 ^? days 0
 l a great unt5d$ g>d51 full ( we$s1    
full ( fl[]s too1 ea* plant /riv+ aft]  
its own way1 gradually evolv+ into high]
 =ms4 ,n[ sometimes x seems to me to be 
l an old ,dut* g>d51 ) ! pa?s v /raight1
 v clean swept1 ) ! trees clipp$ into   
curi\s %apes ( bird & bea/1 tortur$ out 
( all k1 & _m ( ! fl[]s m[n d[n4 ,!     
,burmese gov]nm5t left its p alone2 t 0 
"o great virtue4 ,&1 aga91 any gov]nm5t1
 h[ev] good1 h[ev] bad1 is b a small    
factor 9 ! life ( a p2 x comes f> bel[  
_m o!r ?+s 9 importance4 ,a %ort ra9fall

 = a ye> is m disa/r\s ?an a mad k+2 a  
plague is worse ?an fifty grasp+        
gov]nors2 social rott5ness is           
incomp>ably m dang]\s ?an ! rott5e/     
gov]nm5t4  ,& 9 ,burma x 0 only !       
supreme gov]nm5t1 ! high (ficials1 t 7 v
 bad4 ,x 0 only ! managem5t ( /ate      
affairs t 0 feeble & corrupt2 all ! re/ 
0 v good4 ,! l& laws1 ! self-gov]nm5t1 !
 social condition ( ! p1 7 admirable4 ,x
 0 s good t ! rott5 c5tral gov]nm5t made
 b little diff]5ce to ! p1 & x w\ld     
probably h la/$ = a long :ile if n      
attack$ f outside4 ,a great] p[] came & 
upset ! gov]nm5t ( ! k+1 & e/abli%$     
itself 9 8 place2 & ,i may "h say t !   
idea t ! feebl5ess or wrong-do+ ( !     
,burmese gov]nm5t 0 ! cause ( ! d[nfall 
is a mi/ake4 ,if ! ,burmese gov]nm5t _h 
be5 ! be/ t ev] exi/$1 ! annexation w\ld
 h happ5$ j ! same4 ,x 0 a political    
necessity = u4  ,! c5tral gov]nm5t ( a  
c\ntry is1 z ,i h said1 n a matt] ( mu* 
importance4 ,x has v little influ5ce 9 !
 evolution ( ! s\l ( a p4 ,x is always a

 great deal worse ?an ! p !mselves--a   
hundr$ ye>s beh9d !m 9 civilization1 a  
?\s& ye>s beh9d !m 9 morality4 ,m5 w d 9
 ! "n ( gov]nm5t acts :i*1 if p]=m$ 9 a 
private capacity1 w\ld cov] !m ) %ame   
be=e m51 & w\ld l& !m 9 a gaol or worse4
 ,! "n ( gov]nm5t is a cloak = ! wor/   
passions ( manhood4 ,x is n an int]e/+  
/udy1 ! gov]nm5t ( mank9d4  ,a gov]nm5t 
is no "p ( ! s\l ( ! p1 b is a m]e      
excresc5ce2 & s ,i h b little to say    
ab\t ?is ( ,burma1 beyond ?is curi\s    
fact--t religion _h no "p 9 x4 ,surely  
?is is a v rem>kable ?+1 t a religion   
hav+ ! hold ^u its foll[]s t ,buddhism  
has ^u ! ,burmese has nev] attempt$ to  
grasp ! supreme au?ority & use x to its 
ends4  ,x is n q an explanation to say t
 ,buddhism is n conc]n$ ) su* ?+s2 t its
 v _s is aga9/ ! assumption ( any       
worldly p[] & au?ority2 t x is a        
negation ( ! value ( ^! ?+s4 ,some?+ (  
?is sort might be said ( o!r religions1 
& yet !y h all /riv5 to use ! temporal  
p[]4  ,i d n "k :at ! explanation is1   

unless x be t ! ,burmese believe _!     
religion & o!r p d n4 ,h[ev] t may be1  
!re is no d\bt ( ! fact4 ,religion _h   
no?+ :atev]--absolutely no?+ 9 any way  
at all--to d ) gov]nm5t4 ,!re are no    
exceptions4 ,:at has l$ p to ?9k        
sometimes t !re 7 exceptions is ! fact t
 ! k+ confirm$ ! ,?a?anaba+--! head ( ! 
community ( monks--aft] he _h be5 elect$
 by 8 fell[-monks4 ,! reason ( ?is 0 z  
foll[s3 ,all ecclesia/ical matt]s--,i   
use ! ^w 'ecclesia/ical' because ,i c   
f9d no o!r--7 outside ! jurisdiction (  
civil limits4 ,by 'ecclesia/ical' ,i    
mean su* matt]s z ref]r$ to ! own]%ip & 
habitation ( mona/]ies1 ! build+ (      
pagodas & places ( pray]1 ! discipl9e ( 
! monkhood4 ,su* que/ions 7 decid$ by   
ecclesia/ical c\rts "u ! ,?a?anaba+4    
,n[1 x 0 necess>y sometimes1 z may be   
und]/ood1 to en=ce ^! decrees1 & = t    
reason to apply to civil p[]4 ,!re=e !re
 mu/ be a head ( ! monks ackn[l$g$ by ! 
civil p[] z head1 to make su*           
applications z might be necess>y 9 ?is1 

& p]haps "s o!r su* circum/ances4  ,x   
became1 !re=e1 ! cu/om = ! k+ to        
ackn[l$ge by ord] ! elect ( ! monks z   
,?a?anaba+ = all su* purposes4 ,t 0 all4
 ,! k+ did n appo9t him at all4  ,any   
su* idea z a monk int]f]+ 9 ! affairs ( 
/ate1 or express+ an op9ion on w> or law
 or f9ance1 w\ld appe> to ! ,burmese a  
negation ( _! fai?4 ,!y 7 nev] l$ away  
by ! idea t good might come ( su*       
int]f]5ce4 ,?is t]rible sn>e has nev]   
caught _! feet4 ,!y hold t a man's fir/ 
duty is to 8 own s\l4 ,nev] ?9k t y c d 
good to o!rs at ! same "t z y injure    
y\rself1 & ! greate/ good = y\r own he>t
 is to le>n t beyond all ?is turmoil &  
fret !re is ! ,great ,peace--s great t  
we c h>dly und]/& x1 & to rea* x y mu/  
fit y\rself = x4 ,! monk is he :o is    
attempt+ to rea* x1 & he kn[s t he _c d 
t by attempt+ to rule 8 fell[-man2 t is 
probably ! v wor/ ?+ he c\ld d4 ,& !re=e
 ! monkhood1 p[]ful z !y 71 left all    
politics alone4 ,i h nev] be5 able to   
he> ( a s+le in/ance 9 :i* !y ev5       

express$ an op9ion ei!r z a body or z   
individuals on any /ate matt]4  ,x is   
true t1 if a gov]nor oppress$ 8 p1 !    
monks w\ld remon/rate ) him1 or ev51 9 !
 la/ extremity1 ) ! k+2 !y w\ld plead ) 
! k+ = clem5cy to conqu]$ peoples1 to   
rebels1 to crim9als2 _! voice 0 always  
on ! side ( m]cy4 ,z f> z urg+ ! greate/
 ( all virtues ^u gov]nors & rul]s      
alike1 !y may be said to h int]f]$ )    
politics2 b ?is is n :at is usually     
und]/ood by religion int]f]+ 9 ?+s (    
/ate4 ,x seems to me we usually mean !  
rev]se ( ?is1 = we are ( late beg9n+ to 
reg>d x ) horror4 ,! ,burmese h always  
done s4 ,!y w\ld ?9k x a d5ial ( all    
religion4  ,& s ! only ?+s wor? not+    
ab\t ! gov]nm5t ( ! ,burmese 7 its      
exce$+ badness1 & its disconnection )   
religion4 ,t x w\ld h be5 a mu* /rong]  
gov]nm5t _h x be5 able to enli/ on its  
side all ! p[] ( ! monkhood1 none c     
d\bt4 ,x might ev5 h be5 a bett]        
gov]nm5t2 ( t ,i am n sure4 ,b t su* a  
union w\ld h meant ! utt] de/ruction ( !

 religion1 ! debas+ ( ! v s\l ( ! p1 no 
"o :o has tri$ to und]/& t s\l c d\bt4  
,& a s\l is wor? v _m gov]nm5ts4  ,b :5 
y left ! c5tral gov]nm5t1 & came d[n to 
! managem5t ( local affairs1 !re 0 a    
great *ange4 ,y came /raight d[n f ! k+ 
& gov]nor to ! village & its headman4   
,!re 7 no lords1 no squires1 nor        
ecclesia/ical p[] wield+ au?ority ov] ! 
p4  ,ea* village 0 to a v great ext5t a 
self-gov]n+ community compos$ ( m5 free 
9 e way4 ,! :ole c\ntry 0 divid$ into   
villages1 sometimes conta9+ "o or two   
hamlets at a little di/ance f ea*       
o!r--(f%oots f ! p>5t /em4 ,! t[ns1 too1
 7 divid$ into qu>t]s1 & ea* qu>t] _h   
its headman4 ,^! m5 held _!             
appo9tm5t-ord]s f ! k+ z a matt] ( =m1 b
 !y 7 *os5 by _! fell[-villag]s z a     
matt] ( fact4 ,p>tly ?is head%ip 0      
h]$it>y1 n f fa!r to son1 b x might be f
 bro!r to bro!r1 & s on4 ,x 0 n usually 
a v covet$ appo9tm5t1 = ! responsibility
 & tr\ble 7 consid]able1 & ! pay small4 
,x 0 #aj p] c5t4 on ! tax collections4  

,& ) ?is (ficial z _! head1 ! villag]s  
manag$ ne>ly all _! affairs4 ,_! taxes1 
= in/ance1 !y assess$ & collect$        
!mselves4 ,! gov]nor m]ely in=m$ !      
headman t he 0 to produce t5 rupees p]  
h\se f 8 village4 ,! villag]s !n appo9t$
 assessors f among !mselves1 & decid$ h[
 mu* ea* h\sehold %\ld pay4 ,?us a      
coolie might pay b f\r rupees1 & a      
rice-m]*ant z mu* z fifty or sixty4 ,!  
assessm5t 0 levi$ accord+ to ! means ( !
 villag]s4 ,s well 0 ?is done1 t        
compla9ts aga9/ ! decisions ( !         
assessors 7 almo/ unkn[n--,i might1 ,i  
?9k1 safely say 7 absolutely unkn[n4 ,! 
assessm5t 0 made publicly1 & ea* man 0  
he>d 9 8 own def5ce be=e be+ assess$4   
,!n ! money 0 collect$4 ,if by any      
*ance1 su* z dea?1 any family c\ld n    
pay1 ! defici5cy 0 made good by ! o!r   
villag]s 9 proportion4 ,:5 ! money 0 got
 9 x 0 paid to ! gov]nor4  ,crime su* z 
gang-robb]y1 murd]1 & s on1 _h to be    
report$ to ! gov]nor1 & he arre/$ !     
crim9als if he felt incl9$1 & knew :o !y

 71 & 0 able to d x4 ,g5]ally some?+ 0 9
 ! way1 & x c\ld n be done4 ,all less]  
crime 0 dealt ) 9 ! village itself1 n   
only dealt ) :5 x occurr$1 b to a great 
ext5t prev5t$ f occurr+4 ,y see1 9 a    
village anyone kn[s ev]yone1 & detection
 is usually easy4 ,if a man became a    
nuisance to a village1 he 0 expell$4 ,i 
h (t5 he>d old ,burmans talk+ ab\t ?is1 
& comp>+ ^! times ) ^?4 ,9 ^? times all 
big crimes 7 unpuni%$1 & !re 0 b little 
petty crime4 ,n[ all big crim9als are   
rel5tlessly hunt$ d[n by ! police2 & !  
inevitable weak5+ ( ! village sy/em has 
l$ to a l>ge increase ( petty crime1 &  
c]ta9 brea*es ( morality & good conduct4
 ,i rememb] talk+ to a man n long ago--a
 man :o _h be5 a headman 9 ! k+'s "t1 b 
0 n s n[4 ,we 7 *att+ ( v>i\s subjects1 
& he told me he _h no *ildr52 !y 7 dead4
  ',:5 7 y m>ri$8' ,i ask$1 j = some?+  
to say1 & he said :5 he 0 ?irty-two4    
',isn't t r old to be j m>ri$8' ,i ask$4
 ',i ?\ght y ,burmans (t5 m>ri$ at      
eighte5 & tw5ty4 ,:at made y wait s     

long8'  ,& he told me t 9 8 village m5 7
 n all[$ to m>ry till !y 7 ab\t ?irty4  
',great h>m comes1' he said1 '( all[+   
boys & girls to make fooli% m>riages :5 
!y are too "y4 ,x 0 nev] all[$ 9 my     
village4'  ',& if a "y man fell 9 love )
 a girl8' ,i ask$4  ',he 0 told to leave
 h] alone4'  ',& if he didn't8'  ',if he
 didn't1 he 0 put 9 ! /ocks = "o day or 
two days1 & if t 0 no good1 he 0 bani%$ 
f ! village4'  ,a monk compla9$ to me ( 
! bad habits ( ! "y m5 9 villages4      
',c\ld gov]nm5t d no?+8' he ask$4 ,!y   
us$ %ameful words1 & !y w\ld %\t z !y   
pass$ 8 mona/]y1 & di/urb ! lads at _!  
lessons & ! girls at ! well4 ,!y 7 n    
well-behav$4 ,9 ! ,burmese "t !y w\ld h 
be5 puni%$ = all ?is--made to draw s _m 
buckets ( wat] = ! s*ool-g>d5s1 or d "s 
road-mak+1 or ev5 be put 9 ! /ocks4 ,n[ 
! headman 0 afraid to d any?+1 = fe> ( !
 great gov]nm5t4 ,x 0 v bad = ! "y m51  
he said4  ,all villages 7 n alike1 (    
c\rse1 9 _! en=cem5t ( good mann]s &    
good morals1 b1 /ill1 9 e village !y 7  

en=c$ m or less4 ,! op9ion ( ! p 0 v    
decid$1 & made itself felt1 & ! influ5ce
 ( ! mona/]y )\t ! gate 0 /rong ^u ! p4 
,yet ! monks nev] int]f]$ ) village     
affairs4 ,z !y ab/a9$ f /ate gov]nm5t1 s
 !y did f local gov]nm5t4 ,y nev] c\ld  
imag9e a ,buddhi/ monk be+ a magi/rate =
 8 village1 tak+ any "p at all 9        
municipal affairs4 ,! same reasons t    
held !m f affairs ( ! /ate held !m f    
affairs ( ! commune4 ,i ne$ n repeat !m4
 ,! mona/]y 0 outside ! village1 & !    
monk outside ! community4 ,i d n ?9k he 
0 ev] consult$ ab\t any village matt]s4 
,i "k t1 ?\gh ,i h _m & _m a "t ask$    
monks = _! op9ion to aid me 9 decid+    
little village disputes1 ,i h nev] got  
an answ] out ( !m4 ',^! are n our       
affairs1' !y w answ] always4 ',g to ! p2
 !y w tell y :at y want4' ,_! influ5ce  
is by example & precept1 by tea*+ ! laws
 ( ! great tea*]1 by liv+ a life        
blameless be=e m51 by prep>+ _! s\ls =  
re/4 ,x is a g5]al influ5ce1 nev] a     
p>ticul> "o4 ,if anyone came to ! monk =

 c\nsel1 ! monk w\ld only repeat to him 
! sacr$ tea*+1 & leave him to apply x4  
,s ea* village manag$ its own affairs1  
untr\bl$ by squire or prie/1 v little   
tr\bl$ by ! /ate4 ,t )9 _! little means 
!y did x well1 no "o c d\bt4 ,!y tax$   
!mselves )\t friction1 !y built _! own  
mona/]y s*ools by volunt>y ef=t1 !y     
ma9ta9$ a v high1 a v simple1 code (    
morals1 entirely ( _! own initiative4   
,all ?is has pass$1 or is pass+ away4 ,!
 k+ has gone to a bani%m5t f> across !  
sea1 ! m9i/]s are ei!r bani%$ or p[]less
 = good or evil4 ,x w nev] rise aga91   
?is gov]nm5t ( ! k+1 :i* 0 s bad 9 all x
 did1 & only good 9 :at x left alone4 ,x
 w nev] rise aga94 ,! p are n[ "p ( !   
,briti% ,empire1 subjects ( ! ,que54    
,:at may be 9 /ore = !m 9 ! f> future no
 "o c tell1 only we may be sure t ! pa/ 
c return no m4 ,& ! local gov]nm5t is   
pass+ away1 too4 ,x _c exi/ ) a /rong   
gov]nm5t su* z ours4 ,= good or = evil1 
9 a few ye>s x1 too1 w be gone4  ,b1    
aft] all1 ^! are b =ms2 ! s\l is f> )94 

,9 ! s\l !re w be no *ange4 ,no "o c    
imag9e ev5 9 ! f> future any monk ( !   
,buddha desir+ temporal p[] or int]f]+ 9
 any way ) ! gov]nm5t ( ! p4 ,t is :y ,i
 h writt5 ?is *apt]1 to %[ h[ ,buddhism 
holds itself t[>ds ! gov]nm5t4 ,) u1 we 
are accu/om$ to ecclesia/ics try+ to    
manage affairs ( /ate1 or attempt+ to   
grasp ! secul> p[]4 ,x is 9 accordance )
 our ideals t !y %\ld d s4 ,our religi\s
 phraseology is full ( su* t]ms z "l &  
k+ & rul] & s]vant4 ,buddhism kn[s no?+ 
( any ( !m4 ,9 our religion we are      
subject to ! au?ority ( deacons & prie/s
 & bi%ops & ar*bi%ops1 & s on up to !   
,almighty ,himself4 ,b 9 ,buddhism e man
 is free--free1 subject to ! inevitable 
laws ( righte\sness4 ,!re is no hi]>*y 9
 ,buddhism3 x is a religion ( absolute  
fre$om4 ,no "o c damn y except y\rself2 
no "o c save y except y\rself4          
,gov]nm5ts _c d x1 & !re=e x w\ld be    
useless to try & capture ! re9s (       
gov]nm5t1 ev5 if y did n de/roy y\r own 
s\l 9 s do+4 ,buddhism does n believe t 

y c save a man by =ce4  ,z ,buddhism 01 
s x is1 s x w rema94 ,by its v nature x 
abhors all semblance ( au?ority4 ,x has 
prov$ t1 "u temptation su* z no o!r     
religion has felt1 & resi/$2 x is a     
religion ( ea* man's own s\l1 n (       
gov]nm5ts & p[]s4     ,,*apt] ,,viii    
,,crime ,,& ,,puni%m5t       ',ov]come  
ang] by k9dness1 evil by good4'         
,dammapada4   ,n v _m ye>s ago an (fic] 
9 ,rangoon lo/ "s curr5cy notes4 ,he _h 
plac$ !m ^u 8 table ov]night1 & 9 !     
morn+ !y 7 gone4 ,! am\nt 0 n l>ge4 ,x  
01 if ,i rememb] rightly1 ?irty rupees2 
b ! loss annoy$ him1 & z all se>* &     
inquiry prov$ futile1 he put ! matt] 9 !
 h&s ( ! police4  ,be=e long--! v next  
day--! possession ( ! notes 0 trac$ to !
 (fic]'s ,burman s]vant1 :o look$ aft] 8
 clo!s & att5d$ on him at table4 ,! boy 
0 caught 9 ! act ( try+ to *ange "o ( ! 
notes4 ,he 0 arre/$1 & he confess$4 ,he 
0 v h>d up1 he said1 & 8 si/] _h writt5 
ask+ him to help h]4 ,he c\ld n d s1 &  
he 0 tr\bl+ himself ab\t ! matt] e>ly t 

morn+ :ile tidy+ ! room1 & he saw !     
notes on ! table1 & s he took !m4 ,x 0 a
 sudd5 temptation1 & he fell4 ,:5 !     
(fic] le>nt all ?is1 he w\ld1 ,i ?9k1 h 
)drawn f ! prosecution & =giv5 ! boy2 b 
x 0 too late4 ,9 our ,engli% law !ft is 
n comp\ndable4 ,a compla9t ( !ft once   
made mu/ be prov$ or disprov$2 ! accus$ 
mu/ be tri$ be=e a magi/rate4 ,!re is no
 alt]native4 ,s ! lad--he 0 only a      
lad--0 s5t up be=e ! magi/rate1 & he    
aga9 plead$ guilty1 & 8 ma/] ask$ t !   
puni%m5t might be light4 ,! boy1 he     
said1 0 an hone/ boy1 & _h yield$ to a  
sudd5 temptation4 ,he1 ! ma/]1 _h no    
desire to press ! *>ge1 b ! rev]se4 ,he 
w\ld nev] h come to c\rt at all if he   
c\ld h )drawn f ! *>ge4 ,!re=e he ask$ t
 ! magi/rate w\ld consid] all ?is1 & be 
l5i5t4  ,b ! magi/rate did n see matt]s 
9 ! same light at all4 ,he w\ld consid] 
8 judgm5t1 & deliv] x lat] on4  ,:5 he  
came into c\rt aga9 & read ! judgm5t he 
_h prep>$1 he said t he 0 unable to     
treat ! case l5i5tly4 ,!re 7 _m su*     

cases1 he said4 ,x 0 becom+ q common =  
s]vants to /eal _! employ]s' ?+s1 & !y  
g5]ally escap$4 ,x 0 a s]i\s matt]1 & he
 felt himself oblig$ to make an example 
( su* z 7 convict$1 to be a w>n+ to     
o!rs4 ,s ! boy 0 s5t5c$ to six mon?s'   
rigor\s imprisonm5t2 & 8 ma/] w5t home1 
& be=e long _h =gott5 all ab\t x4  ,b "o
 day1 z he 0 sitt+ 9 8 v]&a read+ be=e  
breakfa/1 a lad came quickly up ! /airs 
& into ! v]&a1 & knelt d[n be=e him4 ,x 
0 ! s]vant4 ,z soon z he 0 releas$ f    
gaol1 he w5t /raight to 8 old ma/]1     
/raight to ! v]&a :]e he 0 sure he w\ld 
be sitt+ at t h\r1 & begg$ to be tak5   
back aga9 into 8 s]vice4 ,he 0 q pleas$1
 & sure t 8 ma/] w\ld be equally pleas$1
 at see+ him aga91 & he took x almo/ z a
 matt] ( c\rse t he w\ld be re9/at$4  ,b
 ! ma/] d\bt$4  ',h[ c ,i take y back   
aga98' he said4 ',y h be5 9 gaol4'      
',b1' said ! boy1 ',i did v well 9 gaol4
 ,i became a w>d] ) a cap :ite on "o    
side & yell[ on ! o!r4 ,let ! ?ak9 ask4'
  ,/ill ! (fic] d\bt$4  ',i _c take y   

back1' he repeat$4 ',y /ole my money1 & 
y h be5 9 prison4 ,i c\ld n h y z a     
s]vant aga94'  ',yes1' admitt$ ! boy1   
',i /ole ! ?ak9's money1 b ,i h be5 9   
prison = x a long "t--six mon?s4 ,surely
 t is all =gott5 n[4 ,i /ole2 ,i h be5 9
 gaol--t is ! end ( x4'  ',no1' answ]$ !
 ma/]1 'un=tunately1 y\r hav+ be5 9 gaol
 only makes matt]s mu* worse4 ,i c\ld   
=give ! !ft1 b ! be+ 9 gaol--h[ c ,i    
=give t8'  ,& ! boy c\ld n und]/&4  ',if
 ,i h /ol51 ,i h be5 9 gaol = x4 ,t is  
wip$ out n[1' he said aga9 & aga91 till 
at la/ he w5t away 9 sore tr\ble ( m9d1 
= he c\ld n und]/& 8 ma/]1 nor c\ld 8   
ma/] und]/& him4  ,y see1 ea* _h 8 own  
idea ( :at 0 law1 & :at 0 ju/ice1 & :at 
0 puni%m5t4 ,to ! ,burman all ^! words  
_h "o set ( mean+s2 to ! ,engli%man !y  
_h ano!r1 a v diff]5t "o4 ,& ea* ( !m   
took 8 ideas f 8 religion4 ,to all m5 ! 
law "h on e>? is b a reflection ( !     
heav5ly law2 ! judge is ! repres5tative 
( 8 god4 ,! ju/ice ( ! c\rt %\ld be z ! 
ju/ice ( heav54 ,_m nations h imag9$ _! 

law to be heav5-giv51 to be inspir$ ) ! 
v brea? ( ! ,creator ( ! _w4 ,o!r       
nations h d]iv$ _! laws else:]e4 ,b ?is 
is ( little acc\nt1 = to ! "o1 z to !   
o!r1 ! laws are a reflection ( !        
religion4  ,& !re=e on a man's religion 
dep5ds all 8 views ( law & ju/ice1 8    
und]/&+ ( ! ^w 'puni%m5t1' 8 idea ( h[  
s9 %\ld be treat$4 ,& x 0 because ( _!  
diff]5t religions1 because _! religions 
diff]$ s greatly on ^! po9ts z to be    
almo/ oppos$1 t ! ,engli% (fic] & 8     
,burman s]vant fail$ to und]/& ea* o!r4 
,= to ! ,engli%man puni%m5t 0 a         
degradation4 ,x seem$ to him f> m       
disgraceful t 8 s]vant %\ld h be5 9 gaol
 ?an t he %\ld h committ$ !ft4 ,! !ft he
 0 ready to =give1 ! puni%m5t he c\ld n4
 ,puni%m5t to him meant rev5ge4 ,x is ! 
rev5ge ( an outrag$ & injur$ morality4  
,! s9n] _h insult$ ! law1 & !re=e ! law 
0 to make him suff]4 ,he 0 to be        
fright5$ into n do+ x aga94 ,t is !     
idea4 ,he 0 to be afraid ( receiv+      
puni%m5t4 ,& aga9 8 puni%m5t 0 to be    

useful z a w>n+ to o!rs4 ,inde$1 !      
magi/rate _h especially increas$ x ) t  
object 9 view4 ,he 0 to suff] t o!rs    
might be sav$4 ,! idea ( puni%m5t be+ an
 atonem5t h>dly ent]s into our m9ds at  
all4 ,to u x is practically a rev5ge4   
,we d n expect p to be ! bett] = x4 ,we 
are sure !y are ! worse4 ,x is a det]r5t
 = o!rs1 n a heal+ process = ! man      
himself4 ,we puni% ,a4 t ,b4 may be     
afraid1 & n d likewise4 ,our ?\ghts are 
b5t on ,b41 n really on ,a4 at all4 ,z  
f> z he is conc]n$1 ! process is v      
simil> to p\r+ boil+ lead into a w\nd4  
,we d n wi% or int5d to improve him1 b  
simply & purely to make him suff]4 ,aft]
 we h dealt ) him1 he is nev] fit aga9 =
 human society4 ,t 0 9 ! (fic]'s ?\ght  
:5 he refus$ to take back 8 ,burmese    
s]vant4  ,n[ see ! boy's idea4          
,puni%m5t is an atonem5t1 a purify+ ( ! 
s\l f ! /a9 ( s94 ,t is ! only          
ju/ification =1 & mean+ (1 suff]+4 ,if a
 man breaks ! ev]la/+ laws (            
righte\sness & /a9s 8 s\l ) ! /a9 ( s91 

he mu/ be purifi$1 & ! only me?od (     
purification is by suff]+4 ,ea* s9 is   
foll[$ by suff]+1 la/+ j s long z to    
cleanse ! s\l--n a mom5t less1 or ! s\l 
w\ld n be :ite2 n a mom5t m1 or x w\ld  
be useless & cruel4 ,t is ! law (       
righte\sness1 ! et]nal inevitable       
sequ5ce t leads u 9 ! end to wisdom &   
peace4 ,& z x is ) ! great] laws1 s x   
%\ld1 ! ,buddhi/ ?9ks1 be ) ! less]     
laws4  ,if a man /eals1 he %\ld h su*   
puni%m5t & = su* a "t z w wean 8 s\l f  
!ft1 z w atone = 8 s94 ,j s mu*4 ,y see1
 to him m]cy is a fall+ %ort ( :at is   
necess>y1 a leav+ ( "w half done1 z if y
 7 to leave a g>m5t half wa%$4 ,excess (
 puni%m5t is m]e useless brutality4 ,he 
recognizes no vic>i\s puni%m5t4 ,he _c  
und]/& t ,a4 %\ld be damn$ 9 ord] to    
save ,b4 ,?is does n agree ) 8 s*eme (  
righte\sness at all4 ,x seems z futile  
to him z ! action ( wa%+ "o g>m5t twice 
t ano!r might be clean4 ,ea* man %\ld   
atone = 8 own s91 mu/ atone = 8 own s91 
9 ord] to be fre$ f x4 ,no "o c help    

him1 or suff] = him4 ,if ,i h a sore    
?roat1 x w\ld be useless to bli/] y = x3
 t is 8 idea4  ,consid] ?is ,burman4 ,he
 _h committ$ !ft4 ,t he admitt$4 ,he 0  
prep>$ to atone = x4 ,! magi/rate 0 n   
cont5t ) t1 b made him also atone = o!r 
m5's s9s4 ,he 0 twice puni%$1 because   
o!r m5 :o escap$ did ill4 ,t 0 ! fir/ ?+
 he c\ld n und]/&4 ,& !n1 :5 he _h aton$
 bo? = 8 own s9 & = t ( o!rs1 :5 he came
 out ( prison1 he 0 look$ ^u z 9 a worse
 /ate ?an if he _h nev] aton$ at all4   
,if he _h nev] be5 9 prison1 8 ma/] w\ld
 h =giv5 8 !ft & tak5 him back1 b n[ he 
w\ld n4 ,! boy 0 pr\d ( hav+ aton$ 9    
full1 v full1 measure = 8 s92 ! ma/]    
look$ ^u ! puni%m5t z inconceivably     
worse ?an ! crime4  ,s ! (fic] w5t ab\t 
& told ! /ory ( 8 boy com+ back1 &      
expect+ to be tak5 on aga91 z a curi\s  
in/ance ( ! my/]i\s work+ ( ! ,ori5tal  
m9d1 z ano!r example ( ! extraord9>y way
 ,ea/]ns argue4 ',j to ?9k1' said !     
(fic]1 'he 0 n a%am$ ( hav+ be5 9       
prison6' ,& ! boy8 ,well1 he probably   

said no?+1 b w5t away & did n und]/&1 & 
kept ! matt] to himself1 = !y are v     
dumb1 ^! p1 v long-suff]+1 v *>itable4  
,y may be sure t he nev] rail$ at ! law1
 or condemn$ 8 old ma/] = h>%ness4  ,he 
w\ld wond] :y he 0 puni%$ because o!r p 
_h s9n$ & escap$4 ,he c\ld n und]/& t4  
,x w\ld n occur to him t s5d+ him to h]d
 ) o!r crim9als1 t cutt+ him (f f all ! 
g5tle influ5ces ( life1 f ! gre5 trees &
 ! w9ds ( heav51 f ! society ( wom51 f !
 example ( noble m51 f ! tea*+s (       
religion1 0 a curi\s way to r5d] him a  
bett] man4 ,he w\ld suppose x 0 int5d$  
to make him bett]1 t he %\ld leave gaol 
a bett] man ?an :5 he ent]$1 & he w\ld  
take ! int5tion = ! de$4 ,"u 8 own k+   
?+s 7 n mu* bett]4 ,x is true t v few m5
 7 imprison$1 f9e be+ ! usual puni%m5t1 
b /ill1 imprisonm5t !re 01 & s t w\ld n 
seem to him /range2 & z to ! conduct ( 8
 ma/]1 he w\ld be cont5t to leave t     
unexpla9$4 ,! ,buddhi/ is cont5t to     
leave _m ?+s unexpla9$ until he c see ! 
mean+4 ,he is n fond ( !ories4 ,if he   

does n "k1 he says s4 ',x is beyond me1'
 he w say2 ',i d n und]/&4' ,he has no  
!ory ( an occid5tal m9d to expla9 acts (
 ours ( :i* he _c grasp ! mean+2 he w\ld
 only n und]/&4  ,b ! pity ( x--?9k ( ! 
pity ( x all6 ,surely !re is no?+ m     
pa!tic ?an ?is3 t a s9n] %\ld n und]/& !
 :]e=e ( 8 s5t5ce1 t ! ju/ice adm9i/]$  
to him %\ld be su* z he _c see ! mean+  
(4   ,c]ta9 =ms ( crime are v rife 9    
,burma4 ,! villages are s scatt]$1 !    
roads s lonely1 ! am\nt ( money         
habitually c>ri$ ab\t s l>ge1 ! p s     
habitually c>eless1 ! difficulty (      
detection s great1 t robb]y & k9dr$     
crimes are v common2 & x is m common 9 !
 di/ricts ( ! delta1 long "u our rule1  
?an 9 ! newly-annex$ prov9ce 9 ! nor?4  
,"u l conditions ! ,burman is probably  
no m crim9al & no less crim9al ?an o!r p
 9 ! same /ate ( civilization4 ,crime is
 a condition caus$ by opportunity1 n by 
an inh]5t /ate ( m9d1 except ) ! v1 v   
few1 ! exceptional individuals2 & 9     
,upp] ,burma !re is1 n[ t ! turmoil ( ! 

annexation is pa/1 v little crime       
comp>atively4 ,!re is less money !re1 & 
! village sy/em--! control ( ! community
 ov] ! individual--! re/ra9+ influ5ce ( 
public op9ion is great]4 ,b ev5 dur+ !  
ye>s ( tr\ble1 ! ye>s f #ahhe till      
#ahij1 :51 9 ! words ( ! ,burmese       
prov]b1 '! =e/ 0 on fire & ! wild-cat   
slapp$ 8 arm1' !re 7 c]ta9 peculi>ities 
ab\t ! crim9als t diff]5tiat$ !m f ^? ( 
,europe4 ,y w\ld he> ( a t]rible crime1 
a village attack$ at night by brig&s1 a 
l>ge robb]y ( prop]ty1 "o or two        
villag]s kill$1 & an old woman tortur$ =
 h] treasure1 & y w\ld picture !        
p]petrators z h>d5$1 brutal crim9als1   
lo/ to all s5se ( humanity1 tig]s 9     
human %ape2 & :5 y came to arre/ !m--if 
by good luck y did s--y w\ld f9d y\rself
 q mi/ak54 ,"o1 p]haps1 or two ( !      
r+lead]s might be su* z ,i h describ$1 b
 ! o!rs w\ld be f> diff]5t4 ,!y w\ld be 
boys or "y m5 l$ away by ! idea ( a     
frolic1 allur$ by ! romance ( be+ a     
free-lance = a night1 v sorry n[1 &     

ready to confess & d all 9 _! p[] to    
atone = _! misde$s4  ,no?+1 ,i ?9k1 0 m 
/rik+ ?an ! univ]sal confession (       
crim9als on _! arre/4 ,ev5 n[1 despite !
 spread ( lawy]s & notions ( law1 9     
c\ntry di/ricts accus$ m5 always        
confess1 sometimes ev5 !y surr5d]       
!mselves4 ,i h kn[n _m su* cases4 ,"h is
 "o t happ5$ to myself only ! o!r day4  
,a man 0 arre/$ 9 ano!r jurisdiction =  
cattle !ft2 he 0 tri$ !re & s5t5c$ to   
two ye>s' rigor\s imprisonm5t4 ,%ortly  
aft]w>ds x 0 discov]$ t he 0 suspect$ ( 
be+ conc]n$ 9 a robb]y 9 my             
jurisdiction1 committ$ be=e 8 arre/4 ,he
 0 !re=e transf]r$ to ! gaol ne> my     
c\rt1 & ,i inquir$ into ! case1 &       
committ$ him & f\r o!rs = trial be=e !  
sessions judge = ! robb]y1 :i* he       
admitt$4  ,n[1 x s happ5$ t imm$iately  
aft] ,i _h pass$ ord]s 9 ! case ,i w5t  
out into camp1 leav+ ! necess>y w>rants 
to be sign$ 9 my abs5ce by my junior    
magi/rate1 & a mi/ake occurr$ by :i* !  
committal-w>rant 0 only made out = !    

f\r4 ,! o!r man be+ already "u s5t5ce = 
two ye>s1 x 0 n consid]$ necess>y to    
make out a rem&-w>rant = him4 ,b1 z x   
happ5$1 he _h appeal$ f 8 =m] s5t5ce &  
he 0 acquitt$1 s a w>rant ( release     
arriv$ at ! gaol1 &1 9 abs5ce ( any o!r 
w>rant1 he 0 at once releas$4  ,( c\rse1
 on ! mi/ake be+ discov]$ a fre% w>rant 
0 issu$1 & m\nt$ police 7 s5t ov] !     
c\ntry 9 se>* ( him1 )\t avail2 he c\ld 
n be f\nd4 ,b "s f\r days aft]w>ds1 9 ! 
late aft]noon1 z ,i 0 sitt+ 9 my h\se1 j
 return$ f c\rt1 my s]vant told me a man
 want$ to see me4 ,he 0 %[n up into !   
v]&a1 &1 lo6 x 0 ! v man ,i want$4 ,he  
_h he>d1 he expla9$1 t ,i want$ him1 &  
_h come to see me4 ,i rem9d$ him he 0   
committ$ to /& 8 trial = dacoity1 t 0 :y
 ,i want$ him4 ,he said t he ?\ght all t
 0 ov]1 z he 0 releas$2 b ,i expla9$ to 
him t ! release only appli$ to ! !ft    
case4 ,& !n we walk$ ov] half a mile to 
c\rt1 ,i 9 front & he beh9d1 across !   
wide pla91 & he surr5d]$ to ! gu>d4 ,he 
0 tri$ & acquitt$ on ?is *>ge also4 ,n1 

z ! sessions judge said lat]1 t he _h   
any d\bt t my fri5d & ! o!rs 7 ! "r m51 
b because he consid]$ "s ( ! evid5ce    
unsatisfactory1 & because ! orig9al     
confession 0 )drawn4 ,s he 0 releas$    
aga91 & w5t h5ce a free man4  ,b ?9k (  
him surr5d]+ himself6 ,he knew he _h    
committ$ ! dacoity ) :i* he 0 *>g$3 he  
himself _h admitt$ x to beg9 )1 & aga9  
admitt$ x freely :5 he knew he 0 safe f 
fur!r trial4 ,he knew he 0 liable to v  
heavy puni%m5t1 & yet he surr5d]$       
because he und]/ood t ,i want$ him4 ,i  
confess t ,i d n und]/& x at all1 = ?is 
is no solit>y in/ance4 ,! circum/ances1 
truly1 7 curi\s1 b ! _s 9 :i* ! man act$
 0 usual en\gh4 ,i h _h dacoit lead]s ) 
prices on _! heads walk into my camp4 ,x
 0 a common exp]i5ce ) _m (fic]s4  ,!   
,burmans (t5 act z *ildr5 d4 ,_! crimes 
are ! viol5t1 ?\ghtless crimes ( *ildr52
 !y are z little deprav$ by crime z     
*ildr5 are4 ,:o are m crim9al ?an       
,engli% boys8 & yet !y gr[ up dec5t1    
law-abid+ m54 ,almo/ ! only confirm$    

crim9als h be5 made s by puni%m5t1 by t 
puni%m5t :i* "s consid] is int5d$ to    
uplift !m1 b :i* nev] does aught b      
degrade !m4 ,in/ead ( cleans+ ! g>m5t1 x
 te>s x1 & r5d]s x useless = ?is life4  
,x is a v difficult "q1 ?is ( crime &   
puni%m5t4 ,i h n writt5 all ?is because 
,i h any sugge/ion to make to improve x4
 ,i h n writt5 x because ,i ?9k t ! laws
 ( ,manu1 :i* obta9$ "u ! ,burmese k+s1 
& _! me?ods ( puni%m5t1 7 any improvem5t
 on ours4 ,on ! contr>y1 ,i ?9k !y 7 mu*
 worse4 ,_! laws & _! me?ods ( en=c+ !  
law 7 ^? ( a v "y p4 ,b1 not)/&+ ?is1   
!re 0 a _s 9 _! laws diff]5t f & sup]ior
 to ours4  ,i h be5 try+ to see into !  
s\l ( ?is p :om ,i love s well1 & no?+  
has /ruck me m ?an ! way !y reg>d crime 
& puni%m5t2 no?+ has seem$ to me m wor?y
 ( note ?an _! ideas ( ! mean+ & end (  
puni%m5t1 ( its scope & its limits4 ,x  
is s v diff]5t f ours4 ,z 9 our         
religion1 s 9 our laws3 we believe 9    
m]cy at "o "t & 9 v5geance at ano!r4 ,we
 believe 9 vic>i\s puni%m5t & vic>i\s   

salvation2 !y believe 9 absolute        
ju/ice--always ! same1 et]nal &         
un*angeable z ! laws ( ! />s4 ,we       
purposely make puni%m5t degrad+2 !y ?9k 
x %\ld be elevat+1 t 9 its purify+ p[]  
lies its sole use & ju/ification4 ,we   
believe 9 te>+ a soil$ g>m5t2 !y ?9k x  
ought to be wa%$4  ,surely ^! are great 
diff]5ces1 surely ?\ghts l ^!1 engrav5 9
 ! he>ts ( a "y p1 w lead1 9 ! great &  
glori\s future t lies be=e !m1 to a     
conception ( ju/ice1 to a me?od ( deal+ 
) crime1 v diff]5t f :at we "k          
ourselves4 ,!y are n[ v mu* z we 7      
sixte5 c5turies ago1 :5 ! ,romans rul$  
u4 ,n[ we are a great] p1 our ju/ice is 
bett]1 our prisons are bett]1 our       
morality is inconceivably bett] ?an     
,imp]ial ,rome ev] dreamt (4 ,& s ) ^!  
p1 :5 _! "t %all come1 :5 !y %all h gr[n
 out ( *ildhood into manhood1 :5 !y %all
 h ! wisdom & /r5g? & exp]i5ce to put 9 
=ce ! convictions t are 9 _! he>ts1 x   
seems to me t !y w br+ out ( ^!         
convictions some?+ m wond]ful ?an we    

to-day h dreamt (4     ,,*apt] ,,ix     
,,happ9ess       ',! ?\ghts ( 8 he>t1 ^!
 are ! weal? ( a man4'                  
,burmese say+4   ,z ,i h said1 !re 0 ?is
 v rem>kable fact 9 ,burma--t :5 y left 
! k+1 y dropp$ at once to ! villag]4    
,!re 7 no int]m$iate classes4 ,!re 7 no 
nobles1 h]$it>y (fic]s1 great l&[n]s1   
weal?y bank]s or m]*ants4  ,!n !re is no
 ca/e2 !re are no guilds ( trade1 or    
art1 or sci5ce4 ,if a man discov]$ a    
me?od ( work+ silv]1 say1 he nev] hid x1
 b made x common prop]ty4 ,x is v curi\s
 h[ absolutely devoid ,burma is ( !     
exclusiv5ess ( ca/e s univ]sal 9 ,india1
 & :i* survives to a great ext5t 9      
,europe4 ,! ,burman is s absolutely     
enam\r$ ( fre$om1 t he _c abide ! bonds 
:i* ca/e dem&s4 ,he w n b9d himself )   
o!r m5 = a slight temporal advantage2 he
 does n consid] x wor? ! tr\ble4 ,he    
pref]s rema9+ free & poor to be+ b\nd & 
ri*4 ,no?+ is fur!r f him ?an ! feel+ ( 
exclusiv5ess4 ,he abom9ates secrecy1    
my/]y4 ,8 religion1 8 wom51 himself1 are

 free2 !re are no d>k places 9 8 life   
:]e ! light _c come4 ,he is ready t     
ev]y?+ %\ld be kn[n1 t all m5 %\ld be 8 
bro!rs4  ,& s all ! p are on ! same     
level4 ,ri*] & poor] !re are1 ( c\rse1 b
 !re are no v ri*2 !re is none s poor t 
he _c get pl5ty to eat & dr9k4 ,all eat 
mu* ! same food1 all dress mu* alike4 ,!
 amusem5ts ( all are ! same1 =          
ent]ta9m5ts are ne>ly always free4 ,s ! 
,burman does n c>e to be ri*4 ,x is n 9 
8 nature to desire weal?1 x is n 9 8    
nature to c>e to keep x :5 x comes to   
him4 ,beyond a suffici5cy = 8 daily ne$s
 money has n mu* value4 ,he does n c>e  
to add field to field or co9 to co92 !  
m]e fact t he has money causes him no   
pleasure4 ,money is wor? to him :at x w 
buy4 ,) u1 :5 we h made a little money  
we keep x to be a ne/-egg to make m f4  
,n s a ,burman3 he w sp5d x4 ,& aft] 8  
own little wants are satisfi$1 aft] he  
has b\ght himself a new silk1 aft] he   
has giv5 8 wife a gold bangle1 aft] he  
has call$ all 8 village toge!r &        

ent]ta9$ !m ) a dramatic                
ent]ta9m5t--sometimes ev5 be=e all      
?is--he w sp5d ! re/ on *>ity4  ,he w   
build a pagoda to ! hon\r ( ! great     
tea*]1 :]e m5 may g to m$itate on !     
great laws ( exi/5ce4 ,he w build a     
mona/]y s*ool :]e ! village lads are    
taught1 & :]e ea* villag] retires "s "t 
9 8 life to le>n ! great wisdom4 ,he w  
dig a well or build a bridge1 or make a 
re/-h\se4 ,& if ! sum be v small inde$1 
!n he w build1 p]haps1 a little h\se--a 
t9y little h\se--to hold two or ?ree j>s
 ( wat] = travell]s to dr9k4 ,& he w    
keep ! j>s full ( wat]1 & put a little  
cocoanut-%ell to act z cup4  ,! am\nt   
sp5t ?us e ye> 9 *>ity is enorm\s4 ,!   
c\ntry is full ( pagodas2 y see !m on e 
peak1 on e ridge along ! riv]4 ,!y /&   
!re z d ! ca/les ( ! robb] b>ons on !   
,rh9e1 only ) :at ano!r mean+6 ,ne>     
villages & t[ns !re are clu/]s ( !m1    
great & small4 ,! great pagoda 9        
,rangoon is z tall z ,/4 ,paul's2 ,i h  
se5 _m a "o n ?ree feet high--! (f]+ (  

"s poor old man to ! ,great ,"n1 &      
ev]y:]e !re are mona/]ies4 ,e village   
has "o1 at lea/2 mo/ h two or ?ree4 ,a  
l>ge village w h _m4 ,m w\ld be built if
 !re 0 anyone to live 9 !m1 s anxi\s is 
ea* man to d some?+ = ! monks4 ,z x is1 
m are built ?an !re is actual ne$ =4  ,&
 !re are re/-h\ses ev]y:]e4 ,f> away 9 !
 d5se =e/s by ! m\nta9-side y w f9d !m1 
built 9 "s little holl[ by ! roadside by
 someone :o rememb]$ 8 fell[-travell]4  
,y _c g five miles along any road )\t   
f9d+ !m4 ,9 villages !y c be c\nt$ by   
t5s1 9 t[ns by fifties4 ,!re are f> m   
?an are requir$4  ,9 ,burmese times su* 
roads & bridges z 7 made 7 made 9 ! same
 way by private *>ity4 ,n[adays1 !      
,briti% ,gov]nm5t takes t 9 h&1 &       
consequ5tly !re is probably m money =   
re/-h\se build+ ?an is ne$$4 ,z "t goes 
on1 ! *>ity w fl[ into o!r l9es1 no     
d\bt1 9 addition4 ,!y w build & end[    
hospitals1 !y w devote money to high]   
education1 !y w sp5d money 9 _m ways1 n 
9 :at we usually call *>ity1 = t !y     

already d1 nor 9 missions1 z :atev]     
missions !y may s5d out w co/ no?+4     
,holy m5 are ^? v[$ to extreme pov]ty4  
,b z _! civilization 7_! civilization1 n
 any impos$ f outside7 progresses1 !y w 
f9d out new wants = ! ri* to supply1 &  
!y w supply !m4 ,t is a m]e "q ( mat]ial
 progress4  ,! incl9ation to *>ity is v 
/rong4 ,! ,burmans give 9 *>ity f> m 9  
proportion to _! weal? ?an any o!r p4 ,x
 is extraord9>y h[ mu* !y give1 & y mu/ 
rememb] t all ( ?is is q volunt>y4 ,)1  
,i ?9k1 two or ?ree exceptions1 su* z   
gild+ ! ,%we ,dagon pagoda1 collections 
are nev] made = any purpose4 ,!re is no 
committee ( appeal1 no organiz$         
collection4 ,x is all giv5 /raight f !  
giv]'s he>t4 ,x is a v m>vell\s ?+4  ,i 
rememb] long ago1 %ortly aft] ,i _h come
 to ,burma1 ,i 0 /ay+ ) a fri5d 9       
,t\ngoo1 & ,i w5t ) him to ! h\se ( a   
,burman contractor4 ,we _h be5 out rid+1
 & z we return$ my fri5d said he wi%$ to
 see ! contractor ab\t "s bus9ess1 & s  
we rode to 8 h\se4 ,he came out & ask$ u

 91 & we dism\nt$ & w5t up ! /airs into 
! v]&a1 & sat d[n4 ,x 0 a little h\se   
built ( wood1 ) ?ree rooms4 ,beh9d 0 a  
little kit*5 & a /able4 ,! :ole may h   
co/ a ?\s& rupees4 ,z my fri5d & !      
,burman talk$ ( _! bus9ess ,i obs]v$ !  
furniture4 ,!re 0 v little2 ?ree or f\r 
*airs1 two tables & a big box 7 all ,i  
c\ld see4 ,inside1 no d\bt1 7 a few b$s 
& m *airs4 ,:ile we sat1 ! wife &       
daught] came out & gave u *]oots1 & ,i  
talk$ to !m 9 my v limit$ ,burmese till 
my fri5d 0 ready4 ,!n we w5t away4  ,t  
contractor1 s my fri5d told me z we w5t 
home1 made probably a pr(it ( six or    
sev5 ?\s& rupees a ye>4 ,he sp5t on     
himself ab\t a ?\s& ( ?is2 ! re/ w5t 9  
*>ity4 ,! great new mona/]y s*ool1 ) !  
m>vell\s c>v$ faade1 j to ! s\? ( ! t[n1
 0 81 ! new re/-h\se on ! m\nta9 road f>
 up 9 ! hills 0 84 ,he support$ _m      
monks1 he gave l>gely to ! gild+ ( !    
pagoda4 ,if a !atrical company came t   
way1 he subscrib$ freely4 ,soon he ?\ght
 he w\ld retire f contract+ altoge!r1 = 

he _h en\gh to live on quietly = ! re/ (
 8 life4  ,8 action is no exception1 b !
 rule4 ,y w f9d t e well-to-d man has   
built 8 pagoda or 8 mona/]y1 & is call$ 
's*ool-build]' or 'pagoda-build]4' ,^!  
are ! only titles ! ,burman kn[s1 & !y  
always are giv5 mo/ scrupul\sly4 ,!     
build] ( a bridge1 a well1 or a re/-h\se
 may also receive ! title (             
'well-build]1' & s on1 b su* titles are 
r>ely us$ 9 common spee*4 ,ev5 ! build] 
( a long %$ = wat]-j>s may call himself 
aft] x if he likes1 b x is only big     
build]s :o receive any title f _!       
fell[s4 ,b ! satisfaction to ! man      
himself1 ! k t he has done a good de$1  
is mu* ! same1 ,i ?9k4  ,a ,burman's    
wants are v few1 su* wants z money c    
supply--a little h\se1 a suffici5cy (   
pla9 food1 a cotton dress = weekdays & a
 silk "o = holidays1 & t is ne>ly all4  
,!y are /ill a v "y p4 ,_m wants w come1
 p]haps1 lat] on1 b j n[ _! desires are 
easily satisfi$4  ,! ,burman does n c>e 
= a big h\se1 = !re are always ! great  

trees & ! op5 spaces by ! village4 ,x is
 f> pleasant] to sit out ( doors ?an    
indoors4 ,he does n c>e = books4 ,he has
 :at is bett] ?an _m books--! life ( 8 p
 all ab\t him1 & he has ! eyes to see x 
& ! he>t to und]/& x4 ,he c>es n to see 
) o!r m5's eyes1 b ) 8 own2 he c>es n to
 read o!r m5's ?\ghts1 b to ?9k 8 own1 =
 a love ( books only comes to him :o is 
%ut always f ! _w by ill-heal?1 by      
pov]ty1 by circum/ance4 ,:5 we are poor 
& mis]able1 we l to read ( ^? :o are    
happi]4 ,:5 we are %ut 9 t[ns1 we love  
to read ( ! beauties ( ! hills4 ,:5 we h
 no love 9 our he>ts1 we l to read ( ^? 
:o h4 ,few m5 :o ?9k _! own ?\ghts c>e  
mu* to read ! ?\ghts ( o!rs1 = a man's  
own ?\ghts are wor? m to him ?an all !  
?\ghts ( all ! _w besides4 ,t a man %\ld
 ?9k1 t is a great ?+4 ,v1 v few great  
read]s are great ?9k]s4 ,& he :o c live 
8 life1 :at c>es he = read+ ( ! lives ( 
o!r p8 ,to h lov$ once is m ?an to h    
read all ! poets t ev] sang4 ,s a       
,burman ?9ks4 ,to see ! moon rise on !  

riv] z y float along1 :ile ! boat rocks 
to & fro & someone talks to y--is n t   
bett] ?an any tale8  ,s a ,burman lives 
8 life1 & he asks a great deal f x4 ,he 
wants fre% air & sun%9e1 & ! great      
?\ghts t come to y 9 ! =e/4 ,he wants   
love & companion%ip1 ! voice ( fri5ds1 !
 l[ laugh ( wom51 ! delight ( *ildr54   
,he wants 8 life to be a full "o1 & he  
wants leisure to tea* 8 he>t to enjoy   
all ^! ?+s2 = he kn[s t y mu/ le>n to   
enjoy y\rself1 t x does n always come   
naturally1 t to be happy & good-natur$ &
 op5-he>t$ requires an education4 ,to   
le>n to sympa?ize ) y\r neighb\rs1 to   
laugh ) !m & cry ) !m1 y mu/ n %ut      
y\rself away & "w4 ,8 religion tells him
 t ! fir/ ( all gifts is sympa?y2 x is !
 fir/ /ep t[>ds wisdom1 & he holds x    
true4 ,aft] t1 all %all be add$ to y4   
,he believes t happ9ess is ! be/ ( all  
?+s4  ,we ?9k diff]5tly4 ,we are cont5t 
) *e]less days1 ) an abs5ce ( love1 (   
beauty1 ( all t is valuable to ! he>t1  
if we c b put away a little money1 if we

 c enl>ge our bus9ess1 if we c make a   
bigg] figure 9 ! _w4 ,nay1 we g beyond  
?is3 we believe t "w1 t drudg]y1 is a   
beautiful ?+ 9 itself1 t p]petual toil &
 ef=t is admirable4  ,?is we d because  
we d n "k :at to d ) our leisure1       
because we d n "k = :at to seek1 because
 we _c enjoy4 ,& s we g back to "w1 to  
fev]i% ef=t1 because we _c ?9k1 & see1 &
 und]/&4 ',"w is a means to leisure1'   
,ari/otle told u long ago1 & leisure1   
adds ! ,burman1 is ne$$ t y may compose 
y\r own s\l4 ,"w1 no d\bt1 is a         
necessity1 too1 b n excess ( x4  ,!     
necess>y ?+ to a man is n gold1 nor     
position1 nor p[]1 b simply 8 own s\l4  
,no?+ is wor? any?+ to him comp>$ ) t1 =
 :ile a man lives1 :at is ! good ( all  
^! ?+s if he h no leisure to enjoy !m8  
,& :5 he dies1 %all !y g d[n into ! void
 ) him8 ,no2 b a man's own s\l %all g ) 
& be ) him = ev]4  ,a ,burman's ideas ( 
?is _w are dom9at$ by 8 religion4 ,8    
religion says to him1 ',consid] y\r own 
s\l1 t is ! ma9 ?+4' ,8 religion says to

 him1 ',! aim ( e man %\ld be happ9ess4'
 ,^! are ! fundam5tal p>ts ( 8 belief2  
^! he le>ns f 8 *ildhood3 !y are born 9 
him4 ,he looks at all ! _w by _! light4 
,lat] on1 :5 he gr[s old]1 8 religion   
says to him1 ',& happ9ess is only to be 
f\nd by r5\nc+ ! :ole _w4' ,?is is a h>d
 tea*+4 ,?is comes to him sl[ly1 or all 
,buddhi/s w\ld be monks2 b1 mean:ile1 if
 he does b rememb] ! fir/ two precepts1 
he is on ! "r pa?4  ,he does d ?is4     
,happ9ess is ! aim he seeks4 ,"w & p[] &
 money are b ! means by :i* he w arrive 
at ! leisure to tea* 8 own s\l4 ,fir/ ! 
body1 !n ! _s2 b ) u x is surely fir/ ! 
body1 & !n ! body aga94  ,he (t5 wat*es 
u ) surprise4 ,he sees u "w & "w & "w2  
he sees u gr[ old quickly1 & our m9ds   
get we>y2 he sees our sympa?ies gr[ v   
n>r[1 our ideas b5t into "o groove1 our 
:ole s\ls de/roy$ = a little money1 a   
little fame1 a little promotion1 till we
 g home1 & d n "k :at to d ) ourselves1 
because we h no "w & no sympa?y ) any?+2
 & at la/ we die1 & take d[n ) u our    

s\ls--s\ls fit = no?+ b to be driv5 =   
ev] ) a goad beh9d & a gold5 fruit 9    
front4  ,b d n suppose t ! ,burmese are 
idle4 ,su* a nation ( work]s 0 nev]     
kn[n4 ,e man works1 e woman works1 e    
*ild works4 ,life is n an easy ?+1 b a  
h>d1 & !re is a great deal ( "w to be   
done4 ,!re is n an idle man or woman 9  
all ,burma4 ,! class ( ^? :o live on o!r
 m5's lab\r is unkn[n4 ,i d n ?9k !     
,burman w\ld c>e = su* a life1 = a c]ta9
 am\nt ( "w is good1 he kn[s4 ,a little 
"w he likes2 a good deal ( "w he does1  
because he is oblig$ (t5 to d s to e>n  
ev5 ! little he requires4 ,& t is ! end4
 ,he is a free man1 nev] a slave to o!r 
m51 nor to himself4  ,!re=e ,i d n ?9k 8
 w ev] make :at we call a great nation4 
,he w nev] try to be a conqu]or ( o!r   
peoples1 ei!r ) ! sword1 ) trade1 or )  
religion4 ,he w nev] c>e to h a great   
voice 9 ! managem5t ( ! _w4 ,he does n  
c>e to int]f]e ) o!r p3 he nev] believes
 int]f]5ce c d o!r ?an h>m to bo? sides4
  ,he w nev] be v ri*1 v p[]ful1 v      

advanc$ 9 sci5ce1 p]haps n ev5 9 art1   
?\gh ,i am n sure ab\t t4 ,x may be he w
 be v great 9 lit]ature & art4 ,b1 h[ev]
 t may be1 9 8 own idea 8 w be always ! 
greate/ nation 9 ! _w1 because x is !   
happie/4     ,,*apt] ,x  ,,!            
,,monkhood--,i       ',let 8 life be    
k9dness1 8 conduct righte\sness2 !n 9 ! 
fulness ( gladness he w make an end (   
grief4'--,dammapada4   ,dur+ 8 lifetime1
 t long lifetime t rema9$ to him aft] he
 _h f\nd ! light1 ,gaudama ! ,buddha    
ga!r$ r\nd him _m disciples4 ,!y came to
 le>n f 8 lips ( t tru? :i* he _h f\nd1 
& !y rema9$ ne> him to practise t life  
:i* alone c lead unto ! ,great ,peace4  
,f "t to "t1 z occasion arose1 ! tea*]  
laid d[n precepts & rules to assi/ ^? :o
 desir$ to live z he did--precepts &    
rules design$ to help 8 disciples 9 ! "r
 way4 ,?us !re arose ab\t him a         
bro!rhood ( ^? :o 7 /riv+ to purify _!  
s\ls1 & lead ! high] life1 & t bro!rhood
 has la/$ ev] s9ce1 till y see 9 x !    
monkhood ( to-day1 = t is all t ! monks 

are--a bro!rhood ( m5 :o are try+ to    
live z _! great ma/] liv$1 to purify _! 
s\ls f ! lu/ ( life1 to travel ! road t 
rea*es unto deliv]ance4 ,only t1 no?+ m4
  ,!re is no idea ( prie/hood ab\t x at 
all1 = by a prie/ we und]/& "o :o has   
receiv$ f above "s p[]1 :o is1 z x 71 a 
repres5tative on e>? ( ,god4 ,prie/s1 to
 our ?9k+1 are ^? :o h delegat$ to !m "s
 ( t au?ority ( :i* ,god is !           
f\nta9head4 ,!y c absolve f s91 we ?9k2 
!y c accept into ! fai?2 !y c eject f x2
 !y c exhort ) au?ority2 !y c adm9i/] ! 
sacram5ts ( religion2 !y c spe$ ! p>t+  
s\l to ,god2 !y c damn ! p>t+ s\l to    
hell4 ,a prie/ is "o :o is clo!d ) mu*  
au?ority & hol9ess4  ,b 9 ,buddhism !re 
is n1 !re _c be1 any?+ ( all ?is4 ,!    
,god :o lies f> beyond our k5 has       
delegat$ ,8 au?ority to no "o4 ,he works
 ?r\gh ev]la/+ laws4 ,8 w is manife/$ by
 un*angeable sequ5ces4 ,!re is no?+     
hidd5 ab\t ,8 laws t requires exposition
 by ,8 ag5ts1 nor any c]emonies necess>y
 = acceptance into ! fai?4 ,buddhism is 

a free religion4 ,no "o holds ! keys ( a
 man's salvation b himself4 ,buddhism   
nev] dreams t anyone c save or damn y b 
y\rself1 & s a ,buddhi/ monk is z f>    
away f our ideas ( a prie/ z c be4 ,no?+
 c\ld be m abhorr5t to ,buddhism ?an any
 claim ( au?ority1 ( p[]1 f above1 (    
hol9ess acquir$ except by ! e>ne/ ef=t (
 a man's own s\l4  ,^! monks1 :o are s  
common all ?r\gh ,burma1 ^: mona/]ies   
are outside e village1 :o c be se5 9 e  
/reet 9 ! e>ly morn+ begg+ _! bread1 :o 
educate ! :ole y\? ( ! c\ntry1 are      
simply m5 :o are /riv+ aft] good4  ,?is 
is a difficult ?+ = u to und]/&1 = our  
m9ds are b5t 9 ano!r direction4 ,a      
religion )\t a prie/hood seems to u an  
impossibility1 & yet "h x is s4 ,! :ole 
idea & ?+ ( a prie/hood w\ld be         
repugnant to ,buddhism4  ,x is a        
wond]ful ?+ to contemplate h[ ?is       
bro!rhood has exi/$ all ^! _m c5turies1 
h[ x has always ga9$ ! respect &        
admiration ( ! p1 h[ x has always held 9
 its h&s ! education ( ! *ildr51 & yet  

has nev] aspir$ to sac]dotalism4 ,?9k ( 
! temptation resi/$ "h4 ,! temptation to
 int]f]e 9 gov]nm5t 0 great1 !          
temptation to arrogate to !mselves      
prie/ly p[]s is f>1 f> great]4 ,yet x   
has be5 always resi/$4 ,?is bro!rhood ( 
monks is to-day z x 0 tw5ty-?ree        
c5turies ago--a community ( m5 seek+ = !
 tru?4  ,!re=e1 9 consid]+ ^! monks1 we 
mu/ dismiss f our m9ds any idea (       
prie/hood1 any idea ( extra human       
sanctity1 ( extra human au?ority4 ,we   
mu/ nev] lik5 !m 9 any way to our       
prie/s1 or ev5 to our fri>s4 ,i use ! ^w
 monk1 because x is ! ne>e/ ( any       
,engli% ^w ,i c f9d1 b ev5 t is n q     
correct4 ,i h (t5 f\nd ?is difficulty4  
,i d n l to use ! ,burmese t]ms if ,i c 
help x1 = ?is reason1 t /range t]ms &   
names confuse u4 ,!y seem to lift u into
 ano!r _w--a _w ( p diff]+ f u1 n 9     
habits alone1 b 9 m9d & s\l4 ,x is a    
divid+ p>tition4 ,x is v difficult to   
read a book speak+ ( p "u /range t]ms1 &
 feel t !y are fle% & blood ) u1 & !re=e

 ,i h1 if possible1 always us$ an       
,engli% ^w :]e ,i c come any:]e ne> !   
mean+1 & 9 ?is case ,i ?9k monk comes   
close/ to :at ,i mean4 ,h]mits !y are n1
 = !y live always 9 communities by      
villages1 & !y d n seclude !mselves f   
human int]c\rse4 ,prie/s !y are n1      
m9i/]s !y are n1 cl]gym5 !y are n2      
m5dicants only half describe !m1 s ,i   
use ! ^w monk z com+ ne>e/ to :at ,i wi%
 to say4  ,! monks1 !n1 are ^? :o are   
try+ to foll[ ! tea*+ ( ,gaudama !      
,buddha1 to wean !mselves f ! _w1 ':o h 
turn$ _! eyes t[>ds heav51 :]e is ! lake
 9 :i* all passions %all be wa%$ away4' 
,!y are memb]s ( a great community1 :o  
are gov]n$ by /r+5t regulations--!      
regulations laid d[n 9 ! ,w9i =         
obs]vance by all monks4 ,:5 a man ent]s 
! monkhood1 he makes f\r v[s--t he w be 
pure f lu/1 f desire ( prop]ty1 f ! tak+
 ( any life1 f ! assumption ( any       
sup]natural p[]s4 ,consid] ?is la/1 h[ x
 disposes once & = all ( any desire a   
monk may h t[>d my/icism1 = ?is is :at  

he is taught3  ',no memb] ( our         
community may ev] arrogate to himself   
extraord9>y gifts or sup]natural        
p]fection1 or ?r\gh va+lory give himself
 out to be a holy man2 su*1 = in/ance1 z
 to )draw into solit>y places on pret5ce
 ( enjoy+ ec/asies l ! ,ariahs1 &       
aft]w>ds to presume to tea* o!rs ! way  
to uncommon spiritual atta9m5ts4 ,soon] 
may ! l(ty palm-tree t has be5 cut d[n  
become gre5 aga91 ?an an elect guilty ( 
su* pride be re/or$ to 8 holy /ation4   
,take c>e = y\rself t y d n give way to 
su* an excess4'  ,is n ?is tea*+ ! v    
rev]se ( t ( all o!r peoples &          
religions8 ,c y imag9e ! religi\s tea*]s
 ( any o!r religion be+ w>n$ to keep    
!mselves free f visions8 ,are n visions 
& trances1 dreams & imag9ations1 ! v    
pro( ( hol9ess8 ,b "h x is n s4 ,^! are 
va9 ?+s1 fooli% imag9ations1 & he :o    
w\ld lead ! pure life mu/ put beh9d him 
all su* ?+s z m]e dram-dr9k+ ( ! s\l4   
,?is is a mo/ wond]ful ?+1 a religion t 
condemns all my/icisms4 ,x /&s alone "h 

among/ all religions1 pure f ! t9sel (  
miracle1 ei!r pa/1 or pres5t1 or to     
come4 ,& yet ?is p is1 l all "y nations1
 giv5 to sup]/ition3 its "y m5 dream    
dreams1 its girls see visions4 ,!re are 
int]pret]s ( dreams1 _m ( !m1 soo?say]s 
( all k9ds1 p :o w give y *>ms1 & =etell
 ev5ts = y4 ,j z x 0 ) u n long ago1 !  
my/]y1 :at is beyond ! _w1 ex]cises a   
curi\s fasc9ation ov] !m4 ,ev]y:]e y w  
meet ) traces ( x1 & ,i h 9 ano!r *apt] 
told "s ( ! pr9cipal phases ( ^!4 ,b !  
religion has kept itself pure4 ,no      
hy/]ic visions1 no madman's dreams1 no  
clev] conjur]'s tricks1 h ev] %$ a      
tawdry glory on ! monkhood ( ! ,buddha4 
,amid all ! sup]/ition r\nd ab\t !m !y h
 rema9$ pure1 z !y h f passion & desire4
 ,"h 9 ! f> ,ea/1 ! v home1 we ?9k1 ( ! 
unnatural & sup]human1 ! v cradle ( !   
my/]i\s & ! wond]ful1 is a religion :i* 
condemns x all1 & a monkhood :o foll[ _!
 religion4 ,does n ?is out-miracle any  
miracle8  ,) o!r fai?s x is diff]5t3 !y 
hold out to ^? :o foll[ _! t5ets &      

accept _! m9i/ry t 9 ex*ange = ! worldly
 ?+s :i* _! foll[]s r5\nce !y %all      
receive o!r gifts1 heav5ly ones2 !y w be
 endu$ ) p[] f above2 !y w h au?ority f 
on high2 !y w become ! *os5 mess5g]s (  
,god2 !y may ev5 9 _! trances ent] into 
,8 heav51 & see ,him face to face4      
,buddhism has no?+ ( all ?is to (f]4 ,a 
man mu/ surr5d] all ! _w1 ) no imm$iate 
ga94 ,!re is only ?is3 t if he /ruggle  
along 9 ! pa? ( righte\sness1 he w at   
l5g? atta9 unto ! ,great ,peace4  ,a    
monk :o dream$ dreams1 :o said t !      
,buddha _h appe>$ to him 9 a vision1 :o 
ann\nc$ t he 0 able to prophesy1 w\ld be
 n exalt$1 b expell$4 ,he w\ld be deem$ 
silly or mad2 ?9k ( t--mad--= see+      
visions1 n holy at all6 ,! boys w\ld je]
 at him2 he w\ld be turn$ out ( 8       
mona/]y4  ,a monk is he :o obs]ves      
purity & sanity ( life4 ,hy/]ic dreams1 
! *ildi%ness ( ! my/]i\s1 ! insanity ( !
 miracul\s1 are no "p ( t4  ,& s a monk 
has to put beh9d him ev]y?+ t is call$  
good 9 ?is life1 & gov]n 8 body & 8 s\l 

9 /rict temp]ance4  ,he mu/ we> b yell[ 
g>m5ts1 ample & dec5t1 b n beautiful2 he
 mu/ %ave 8 head2 he mu/ h none b ! mo/ 
di/ant int]c\rse ) wom52 he mu/ beg 8   
food daily 9 ! /reets2 he mu/ eat b     
twice1 & !n b a c]ta9 am\nt1 & nev] aft]
 noon2 he mu/ take no int]e/ 9 worldly  
affairs2 he mu/ own no prop]ty1 mu/     
att5d no plays or p]=mances2 'he mu/    
eat1 n to satisfy 8 appetite1 b to keep 
8 body alive2 he mu/ we> clo!s1 n f     
vanity1 b f dec5cy2 he mu/ live "u a    
ro(1 n because ( va+lory1 b because !   
wea!r r5d]s x necess>y4' ,all 8 life is 
b\nd$ by ! v /ricte/ pov]ty & purity4   
,!re is no au/]ity4 ,a monk may n       
ov]-eat1 b he mu/ eat en\gh2 he mu/ n   
we> f9e clo!s1 b he mu/ be dec5t &      
com=table2 he mu/ n h pr\d dwell+s1 b he
 %\ld be %elt]$ f ! wea!r4  ,!re is no  
self-puni%m5t 9 ,buddhism4 ,did n !     
,buddha prove ! futility ( ?is long ago8
 ,! body mu/ be kept 9 heal?1 t ! s\l   
may n be hamp]$4 ,& s ! monks live a v  
heal?y1 v temp]ate life1 eat+ & dr9k+ j 

en\gh to keep ! body 9 good heal?2 t is 
! fir/ ?+1 t is ! v beg9n+ ( ! pure     
life4  ,& z he tra9s 8 body by c>eful   
treatm5t1 s does he 8 s\l4 ,he mu/ read 
! sacr$ books1 he mu/ m$itate on !      
tea*+s ( ! great tea*]1 he mu/ try by e 
means 9 8 p[] to br+ ^! tru?s home to   
himself1 n z empty say+s1 b z beliefs t 
are to be to him ! v ess5ce ( all tru?4 
,he is n cut (f f society4 ,!re are o!r 
monks1 & !re are visitors1 m5 & wom54   
,he may talk to !m--he is no recluse2 b 
he mu/ n talk too mu* ab\t worldly      
matt]s4 ,he mu/ be c>eful ( 8 ?\ghts1 t 
!y d n lead him into wrong pa?s4 ,8 life
 is a life ( self-culture4  ,be+ no     
prie/1 he has few duties to o!rs to     
p]=m2 he is n call$ ^u to int]f]e 9 !   
bus9ess ( o!rs4 ,he does n visit ! sick2
 he has no conc]n ) bir?s & m>riages &  
dea?s4 ,on ,sunday1 & on c]ta9 o!r      
occasions1 he may read ! laws to ! p1 t 
is all4 ,( ?is ,i w speak 9 ano!r *apt]4
 ,x does n am\nt to a great dem& ^u 8   
"t4 ,he is also ! s*oolma/] ( ! village1

 b ?is is aside entirely f 8 sacr$      
pr(ession4 ,c]ta9 duties he has1 h[ev]4 
,e morn+ z ! e>lie/ sunlight comes ^u ! 
mona/]y spires1 :5 ! birds are /ill     
call+ to ! day1 & ! cool fre%ness ( !   
morn+ /ill lies along ! highways1 y w   
see f e mona/]y ! little procession come
 =?4 ,fir/1 p]haps1 !re w be two        
s*oolboys ) a gong slung on a bamboo    
betwe5 !m1 :i* !y /rike n[ & !n4 ,&     
beh9d !m1 9 _! yell[ robes1 _! faces ca/
 ^u ! gr\nd1 & ! begg+-b[ls 9 _! h&s1   
foll[ ! monks4 ,v sl[ly !y pass along ! 
/reets1 amid ! girls hurry+ to _! /alls 
9 ! baza> ) baskets ( fruit ^u _! heads1
 ! h\sewives out to buy _! day's        
requirem5ts1 ! workman go+ to 8 "w1 !   
*ildr5 runn+ & laugh+ & fall+ 9 ! du/4  
,ev]yone makes room = !m z !y g 9 sl[ & 
solemn procession1 & f ?is h\se & t come
 =? wom5 & *ildr5 ) a little rice t !y h
 ris5 be=e daylight to cook1 a little   
curry1 a little fruit1 to put into !    
b[ls4 ,nev] is !re any money giv53 a    
monk may n t\* money1 & 8 wants are v   

few4 ,pres5ts ( books1 & s on1 are made 
at o!r times2 b 9 ! morn+ only food is  
giv54  ,! gifts are nev] ackn[l$g$4 ,!  
cov] ( ! b[l is remov$1 & :5 ! (f]+ has 
be5 put 91 x is replac$1 & ! monk moves 
on4 ,& :5 !y h made _! accu/om$ r\nd1 !y
 return1 z !y w5t1 sl[ly to ! mona/]y1  
_! b[ls full ( food4 ,i d n "k t ?is    
food is always eat5 by ! monks4         
,frequ5tly 9 l>ge t[ns !y are f$ by ri* 
m51 :o s5d daily a hot1 fre%1 well-cook$
 meal = ea* monk1 & ! collect$ alms are 
giv5 to ! poor1 or to s*oolboys1 or to  
animals4 ,b ! begg+ r\nd is nev]        
neglect$1 nor is x a =m4 ,x is a v real 
?+1 z anyone :o has se5 !m g kn[s4 ,!y  
mu/ beg _! food1 & !y d2 x is "p ( !    
self-discipl9e t ! law says is necess>y 
to help ! s\l to humility4 ,& ! p give  
because x is a good ?+ to give alms4    
,ev5 if !y "k ! monks are f$ besides1 !y
 w fill ! b[ls z ! monks pass along4 ,if
 ! monks d n want x1 !re are ! poor1 !re
 are ! s*oolboys1 sons ( ! poore/ ( ! p1
 :o may (t5 be 9 ne$ ( a meal2 & if a   

little be left1 !n !re are ! birds & !  
bea/s4 ,x is a good ?+ to give          
alms--good = y\rself1 ,i mean4 ,s t ?is 
daily procession does good 9 two ways3 x
 is good = ! monk because he le>ns      
humility2 x is good = ! p because !y h  
!reby (f]$ !m a *ance ( giv+ a little   
alms4 ,ev5 ! poore/ may be able to give 
8 spoonful ( rice4 ,all is accept$4 ,?9k
 n a great gift is m acceptable ?an a   
little "o4 ,y mu/ judge by ! giv]'s     
he>t4  ,at e fea/1 e rejoic+1 ! c5tral  
feature is pres5ts to ! monks4 ,if a man
 put 8 son into a mona/]y1 if he make   
m]ry at a /roke ( good =tune1 if he wi% 
to celebrate a m>k ( fav\r f gov]nm5t1 !
 pr9cipal c]emony ( ! fea/ w be pres5ts 
to monks4 ,!y mu/ be pres5ts su* z !    
monks c accept2 t is und]/ood4  ,!re=e1 
a man ent]s a mona/]y simply = ?is3 to  
keep 8 body 9 heal? by p]fect mod]ation 
& c>eful conduct1 & to prep>e 8 s\l =   
heav5 by m$itation4 ,t is ! mean+ ( x   
all4  ,if y see a grove ( trees be=e y  
on y\r ride1 mangoes & tam>9ds 9 clu/]s1

 ) palms nodd+ ov]head1 & great         
broad-leav$ planta9s & fl[]+ %rubs bel[1
 y may be sure t !re is a mona/]y1 = x  
is "o ( ! comm&s to ! monks ( ! ,buddha 
to live "u ! %ade ( l(ty trees1 & ?is   
comm& !y always keep4 ,!y are mo/       
beautiful1 _m ( ^! mona/]ies--great     
build+s ( d>k-br[n teak1 wea!r-/a9$1 )  
two or ?ree ro(s "o above ! o!r1 & at "o
 end a spire tap]+ up until x ends 9 a  
gild$ 'tee4' ,_m ( ! mona/]ies are cov]$
 ) c>v+ along ! faades & up ! spires1   
scroll ^u scroll ( da9tie/ design1 qua9t
 gr\ps ( figures "h & !re1 & on !       
gateways m\ld$ dragons4 ,all ! c>v+s    
tell a /ory tak5 f ! treasure-h\se ( !  
nation's infancy1 qua9t tales ( g5ii &  
fairy & wond]ful adv5ture4 ,nev]1 ,i    
?9k1 d ! c>v+s tell any?+ ( ! sacr$ life
 or tea*+4 ,! ,burmese are n fond1 z we 
are1 ( c>v+ & pa9t+ sc5es f sacr$ books4
 ,p]haps !y ?9k ! subject too holy = !  
h& ( ! craftsman1 & s1 )1 z f> z ,i "k1 
b "o exception 9 all ,burma--a pagoda   
built by ,indian ar*itects long ago--y w

 look 9 va9 = any sacr$ tea*+ 9 ! c>v+s4
 ,b !y are v beautiful1 & _! col\r is s 
good1 ! deep ri* br[n ( teak aga9/ !    
light gre5 ( ! tam>9ds1 & ! great leaves
 ( ! planta9s all ab\t4 ,)9 ! mona/]y x 
w be all b>e4 ,h[ev] beautiful ! build+ 
is )\t1 no relaxation ( 8 rules is all[$
 to ! monk )94 ,all is b>e3 only a few  
mats1 p]haps1 "h & !re on ! plank floor1
 a h>d wood5 b$1 a box or two ( books4  
,at "o end !re w be sure to be ! image (
 ! tea*]1 wr\ght 9 alaba/]4 ,^! are     
always "o ( ?ree /]eotyp$ designs2 !y   
are n works ( art at all4 ,! weal? (    
imag9ation & desire ( beauty t f9ds its 
expression 9 ! c>v$ /ories 9 ! faades   
has no place "h at all4 ,x w\ld be ?\ght
 a sacrilege to attempt 9 any way to    
alt] ! "t-hon\r$ figures t h come d[n to
 u f long ago4  ,ov] ! head ( ! image   
!re w be a :ite or gold5 umbrella1 :5ce 
we h d]iv$ our haloes1 & p]haps a       
lotus-blossom 9 an e>!n pot 9 front4 ,t 
w be all4 ,!re is ?is v rem>kable fact3 
( all ! great names associat$ ) ! life (

 ! ,buddha1 y nev] see any pres5tm5t at 
all4  ,! ,buddha /&s alone4 ,( ,maya 8  
"m1 ( ,ya?odaya 8 wife1 ( ,rah\la 8 son1
 ( 8 great disciple ,?>iputra1 ( 8 de>e/
 disciple & bro!r ,an&a1 y see no?+4    
,!re are no sa9ts 9 ,buddhism at all1   
only ! great tea*]1 he :o saw ! light4  
,surely ?is is a curi\s ?+1 t f ! "t ( !
 pr9ce to n[1 two ?\s& f\r hundr$ ye>s1 
no "o has aris5 to be wor?y ( m5tion (  
record beside him4 ,!re is only "o man  
holy to ,buddhism--,gaudama ! ,buddha4  
,on "o side ( ! mona/]ies !re w be _m   
pagodas1 tombs ( ! ,buddha4 ,!y are     
usually solid cones1 topp$ ) a gild$    
'tee1' & !re are _m ( !m4 ,ea* man w    
build "o 9 8 lifetime if he c4 ,!y are  
always :ite or gold4  ,s !re is mu*     
col\r ab\t a mona/]y--! br[n ( ! wood & 
! :ite ( ! pagoda1 & t5d] gre5 ( !      
trees4 ,! gr\nd is always kept          
clean-swept & beat5 & neat4 ,& !re is   
pl5ty ( s\nd1 too--! fairy music (      
little bells ^u ! pagoda-tops :5 !      
breeze moves1 ! coo+ ( ! pigeons 9 !    

eaves1 ! voices ( ! s*oolboys4 ,mona/]y 
l& is sacr$4 ,no life may be tak5 !re1  
no l\d s\nds1 no noisy m]rim5t1 no abuse
 is p]mitt$ any:]e )9 ! f5ce4 ,mona/]ies
 are places ( m$itation & peace4  ,(    
c\rse1 all mona/]ies are n great &      
beautiful build+s2 _m are b huts (      
bamboo & /raw1 b little bett] ?an !     
villag]'s hut4 ,"s villages are s poor t
 !y c af=d b little = _! holy m54 ,b    
always !re w be trees1 always ! gr\nd w 
be swept1 always ! place w be respect$ j
 ! same4 ,& z soon z a good crop gives !
 village a little money1 x w build a    
teak mona/]y1 be sure ( t4  ,mona/]ies  
are free to all4 ,any /rang] may walk   
into a mona/]y & receive %elt]4 ,! monks
 are always hospitable4 ,i h myself     
liv$1 p]haps1 a qu>t] ( my life 9 ,burma
 9 mona/]ies1 or 9 ! re/-h\ses atta*$ to
 !m4 ,we break all _! laws3 we ride &   
we> boots )9 ! sacr$ enclosure2 our     
s]vants kill f[ls = our d9n]s !re1 :]e  
all life is protect$2 we treat ^! monks1
 ^! :o are ! hon\r$ ( ! nation1 mu* 9 ! 

(fh&1 unc]emoni\s way t we treat all    
,ori5tals2 we (t5 op5ly laugh at _!     
religion4 ,& yet !y always receive u2 !y
 are (t5 ev5 glad to see u & talk to u4 
,v1 v seldom d y meet ) any return 9 k9d
 = y\r contempt ( _! fai? & habits4 ,i h
 he>d x said sometimes t "s monks /&    
alo(1 t !y l to keep to !mselves4 ,if !y
 %\ld d s1 c y wond]8 ,w\ld any p1 n    
firmly b\nd by _! religion1 put up ) x  
all = a mom5t8 ,if y w5t into a         
,mahomm$an mosque 9 ,delhi ) y\r boots  
on1 y w\ld probably be kill$4 ,yet we   
clump r\nd ! ,%we ,dagon pagoda at our  
ease1 & no "o int]f]es4 ,d n suppose t x
 is because ! ,burman believes less ?an 
! ,h9du or ,mahomm$an4 ,x is because he 
believes m1 because he is taught t      
submission & pati5ce are /rong ,buddhi/ 
virtues1 & t a man's conduct is an      
affair ( 8 own s\l4 ,he is will+ to     
believe t ! ,engli%man's brea*es (      
decorum are due to =eign mann]s1 to !   
necessities ( our life1 to ignorance4 ,b
 ev5 if he suppos$ t we did ^! ?+s out (

 %e] wantonness x w\ld make no diff]5ce4
 ,if ! =eign] is dead to e feel+ (      
respect1 ( c\rtesy1 ( sympa?y1 t is an  
affair ( ! =eign]'s own he>t4 ,x is n = 
! monk to en=ce ^u /rang]s ! respect &  
rev]5ce due to purity1 to c\rage1 to !  
bett] ?+s4 ,ea* man is responsible =    
himself1 ! =eign] no less ?an ! ,burman4
 ,if a =eign] h no respect = :at is     
good1 t is 8 own bus9ess4 ,x c hurt no  
"o b himself if he is blatant1 ignorant1
 contemptu\s4 ,no "o is insult$ by x1 or
 requires rev5ge = x4 ,y might z well   
try & insult gravity by je]+ at ,newton 
& 8 pupils1 z injure ! laws (           
righte\sness by je]+ at ! ,buddha or 8  
monks4 ,& s y w see =eign]s take all    
sorts ( lib]ties 9 mona/]ies & pagodas1 
break e rule wantonly1 & disreg>d ev]y?+
 ! ,buddhi/ holds holy1 & yet v little  
notice w be tak5 op5ly4 ,burmans w h _! 
own op9ion ( y1 d h _! own op9ion ( y1  
)\t a d\bt2 b because y are lo/ to all  
s5se ( dec5cy1 t is no reason :y !      
,buddhi/ monk or layman %\ld also l[]   

himself by gett+ angry & res5t x2 & s y 
may walk into any mona/]y or re/-h\se & 
act z y ?9k fit1 & no "o w int]f]e ) y4 
,nay1 if y ev5 %[ a little c\rtesy to ! 
monks1 y\r ho/s1 !y w be glad to talk to
 y & tell y ( _! lives & _! desires4 ,x 
is v seldom t a pleasant ^w or a je/ w n
 br+ ! monks into =gett+ all y\r (f5ces1
 & talk+ to y freely & op5ly4 ,i h _h1  
,i h /ill1 _m fri5ds among ! monkhood2  
,i h be5 behold5 to !m = _m k9dnesses2  
,i h f\nd !m always1 peasants z !y are1 
c\rte\s & well-mann]$4 ,nay1 !re are    
great] ?+s ?an ^!4  ,:5 my de> fri5d 0  
murd]$ at ! outbreak ( ! w>1 wantonly   
murd]$ by ! soldi]s ( a brutal (ficial1 
& 8 body drift$ d[n ! riv]1 ev]yone     
afraid to bury x1 = fe> ( ! wra? (      
gov]nm5t1 0 x n at la/ t5d]ly & lov+ly  
buri$ by ! monks ne> ^: mona/]y x float$
 a%ore8 ,w\ld all p h done ?is8         
,rememb]1 he 0 "o ( ^? ^: army 0 engag$ 
9 subdu+ ! k+dom2 ^: army imprison$ !   
k+1 & _h kill$1 & 7 kill+1 _m1 _m       
hundr$s ( ,burmans4 ',we d n rememb] su*

 ?+s4 ,all m5 are bro!rs to ! dead4' ,!y
 are bro!rs to ! liv+1 too4 ,is !re n a 
mona/]y ne> ,k9dat1 built by an         
,engli%man z a memorial to ! monk :o    
sav$ 8 life at p]il ( 8 own at t same   
"t1 :o pres]v$ him till help came8  ,c  
anyone ev] tell :5 ! influ5ce ( a monk  
has be5 o!r ?an = pity or m]cy8 ,surely 
!y believe _! religion8 ,i did n "k h[ p
 c\ld believe till ,i saw !m4           
,m>tyrdom--:at is m>tyrdom1 :at is dea?1
 = y\r religion1 comp>$ to liv+ )9 its  
comm&s8 ,dea? is easy2 life x is t is   
difficult4 ,m5 h di$ = _m ?+s3 love &   
hate1 & religion & sci5ce1 = patriotism 
& av>ice1 = self-conceit & %e] vanity1 =
 all sorts ( ?+s1 ( value & ( no value4 
,dea? proves no?+4 ,ev5 a c[>d c die    
well4 ,b a pure life is ! outcome only (
 ! pure/ religion1 ( ! greate/ belief1 (
 ! mo/ magnific5t c\rage4 ,^? :o c live 
l ?is c die1 too1 if ne$ be--h done s   
(t5 & (t52 t is b a little matt] inde$4 
,no ,buddhi/ w\ld consid] t z a v great 
?+ beside a holy life4  ,!re is ano!r   

diff]5ce betwe5 u4 ,we ?9k a good dea?  
hall[s an evil life2 no ,buddhi/ w\ld   
he> ( ?is = a mom5t4  ,! rev]5ce 9 :i* a
 monk--ay1 ev5 ! monk to-day :o 0 b an  
ord9>y man ye/]day--is held by ! p is v 
great4 ,all ^? :o address him d s       
kneel+4 ,ev5 ! k+ himself 0 l[] ?an a   
monk1 took a l[] seat ?an a monk 9 !    
palace4 ,he is address$ z ',"l1' & ^? :o
 address him are 8 disciples4 ,poor z he
 is1 liv+ on daily *>ity1 )\t any p[] or
 au?ority ( any k9d1 ! greate/ 9 ! l&   
w\ld dism\nt & yield ! road t he %\ld   
pass4 ,su* is ! p's rev]5ce = a holy    
life4 ,nev] 0 su* volunt>y homage yield$
 to any z to ^! monks4 ,!re is a special
 language = !m1 ! ord9>y language ( life
 be+ too common to be appli$ to _!      
actions4 ,!y d n sleep or eat or walk z 
d o!r m54  ,x seems /range to u1 com+ f 
our l& :]e pov]ty is an (f5ce1 :]e !    
receipt ( alms is a degradation1 :]e !  
ideal is p[]1 to see "h all ?is rev]s$4 
,! monks are ! poore/ ( ! poor1 !y are  
dep5d5t on ! p = _! daily bread2 =      

al?\gh l&s may be giv5 to a mona/]y z a 
matt] ( fact1 v few h any at all1 & ^?  
only a few palm-trees4 ,!y h no p[] at  
all1 ei!r temporal or et]nal2 !y are n v
 le>n$1 & yet !y are ! mo/ hon\r$ ( all 
p4 ,)\t any ( ! attributes :i* 9 our    
exp]i5ce ga!r ! love & hon\r ( mank9d1  
!y are hon\r$ above all m54  ,! ,burman 
dem&s f ! monk no assi/ance 9 heav5ly   
affairs1 no int]f]5ce 9 worldly1 only   
?is1 t he %\ld live z becomes a foll[] (
 ! great tea*]4 ,& because he does s    
live ! ,burman rev]5ces him beyond all  
o!rs4 ,! k+ is fe>$1 ! wise man admir$1 
p]haps envi$1 ! ri* man is respect$1 b !
 monk is hon\r$ & lov$4 ,!re is no "o   
beside him 9 ! he>t ( ! p4 ,if y w\ld "k
 :at a ,burman w\ld be1 see :at a monk  
is3 t is 8 ideal4 ,b x is a v difficult 
ideal4 ,! ,burman is v fond ( life1 v   
full ( life1 delight+ 9 ! joy ( exi/5ce1
 brimm+ ov] ) vitality1 ) hum\r1 )      
m]rim5t4 ,!y are a "y p1 9 ! full flu% (
 e>ly nationhood4 ,to !m ( all p !      
re/ra9ts ( a monk's life mu/ be t]rible 

& h>d to ma9ta94 ,& because x is s1     
because !y all "k h[ h>d x is to d "r1 &
 because ! monks d "r1 !y hon\r !m1 & !y
 "k !y des]ve hon\r4 ,rememb] t all ^! p
 h be5 monks !mselves at "o "t or o!r2  
!y "k h[ h>d ! rules are1 !y "k h[ well 
!y are obs]v$4 ,!y are rev]5c+ :at !y   
?or\ghly und]/&2 !y h se5 _! monkhood f 
! inside2 _! rev]5ce is ! outcome ( a v 
real k4  ,( ! int]nal managem5t ( !     
monkhood ,i h b little to say4 ,!re is !
 ,?a?anaba+1 :o is ! head ( ! community2
 !re are "u him ,ga+-oks1 :o ea* h *>ge 
( a di/rict2 ea* ,ga+-ok has an         
assi/ant1 'a prop1' call$ ,ga+-dauk2 &  
!re are ! heads ( mona/]ies4 ,!         
,?a?anaba+ is *os5 by ! heads ( !       
mona/]ies1 & appo9ts 8 ,ga+-oks &       
,ga+-dauks4 ,!re is no complication ab\t
 x4 ,usually any s]i\s dispute is decid$
 by a c\rt ( ?ree or f\r heads (        
mona/]ies1 presid$ ov] by ! ,ga+-ok4 ,b 
note ?is3 no monk c be tri$ by any      
ecclesia/ical c\rt )\t 8 cons5t4 ,ea*   
mona/]y is self-gov]n+2 no monk c be    

call$ to acc\nt by any ,ga+-ok or       
,ga+-dauk unless he cons5ts4 ,!         
discipl9e is volunt>y entirely4 ,!re are
 no puni%m5ts by law = disob$i5ce ( an  
ecclesia/ical c\rt4 ,a monk _c be       
unfrock$ by 8 fell[s4  ,!re=e1 x w\ld   
seem t !re w\ld be no *eck ov] abuses1 t
 monks c\ld d z !y lik$1 t irregul>ities
 c\ld creep 91 & t1 9 fact1 !re is no?+ 
to prev5t a mona/]y becom+ a disgrace4  
,?is w\ld be a great mi/ake4 ,x mu/ nev]
 be =gott5 t monks are dep5d5t on _!    
village = ev]y?+--food & clo!s1 & ev5 ! 
mona/]y itself4 ,d n imag9e t ! villag]s
 w\ld all[ _! monks1 _! 'great glories1'
 to become a sc&al to !m4 ,! sup]vision 
ex]cis$ by ! p ov] _! monks is mo/      
/r+5t4 ,z long z ! monks act z monks    
%\ld1 !y are held 9 great hon\r1 !y are 
address$ by titles ( great respect1 !y  
are suppli$ ) all !y want )9 ! rules ( !
 ,w9i1 !y are ! glory ( ! village4 ,b d 
y ?9k a ,burman w\ld r5d] ?is homage to 
a monk :om he c\ld n respect1 :o did    
actions he %\ld n8 ,a monk is "o :o acts

 z a monk4 ,directly he breaks 8 laws1 8
 hol9ess is gone4 ,! villag]s w h none  
su* z he4 ,!y w hunt him out ( !        
village1 !y w refuse him food1 !y w make
 him a byword1 a scorn4 ,i h kn[n ?is to
 happ54 ,if a monk's hol9ess be         
suspect$1 he mu/ cle> himself be=e a    
c\rt1 or leave t place quickly1 le/     
worse befall him4 ,x is impossible to   
conceive any sup]vision m close ?an ?is 
( ! p ov] _! monks1 & s ! brea*es ( any 
law by ! monks are v r>e--v r>e inde$4  
,y see1 = "o ?+1 t a monk nev] takes !  
v[s = life4 ,he takes !m = six mon?s1 a 
ye>1 two ye>s1 v (t5 = five ye>s2 !n1 if
 he f9ds ! life suit him1 he cont9ues4  
,if he f9ds t he _c live up to ! /&>d   
requir$1 he is free to g4 ,!re is no    
compulsion to /ay1 no /igma on go+4 ,z a
 matt] ( fact1 v few monks !re are b h  
left ! mona/]y at "o "t or ano!r4 ,x is 
impossible to ov]-e/imate ! value ( ?is 
safety-valve4 ,:at ) ! c]ta9ty (        
detection & puni%m5t f 8 p1 & ! k t he c
 leave ! mona/]y if he w at ! end ( 8 "t

 )\t any reproa*1 a monk is almo/ always
 able to keep )9 8 rules4  ,i h _h = t5 
ye>s a consid]able exp]i5ce ( crim9al   
law4 ,i h tri$ hundr$s ( m5 = all sorts 
( (f5ces2 ,i h kn[n ( _m hundr$s m be+  
tri$1 & ! only cases :]e a monk 0       
conc]n$ t ,i c rememb] are ^!3 ?ree     
times a monk has be5 connect$ 9 a       
rebellion1 once 9 a divorce case1 once 9
 ano!r (f5ce4 ,?is la/ case happ5$ j z  
we annex$ ! c\ntry1 & :5 our c\rts 7 n  
e/abli%$4 ,he 0 detect$ by ! villag]s1  
/ripp$ ( 8 robes1 beat51 & hunt$ out ( !
 place ) e ignom9y possible4 ,!re is    
only "o op9ion among/ all ^? :o h tri$  
to /udy ! ,buddhi/ monkhood--t _!       
conduct is admirable4 ,d y suppose ! p  
w\ld rev]5ce x z !y d if x 7 corrupt8   
,!y "k3 !y h se5 x f ! inside4 ,x is n  
outside k !y h4 ,& :5 x is und]/ood t   
anyone c ent] a mona/]y--?ieves &       
robb]s1 murd]]s & s9n]s ( e description1
 c ent]1 are ev5 urg$ to ent] mona/]ies1
 & try to live ! holy life2 & _m ( !m d1
 ei!r z a refuge aga9/ pursuit1 or      

because !y really rep5t--x w be conc$$ t
 ! discipl9e ( ! monks1 if obta9$ 9 a   
diff]5t way to else:]e1 is v effective4 
,! m y /udy ! monkhood1 ! m y see t ?is 
community is ! outcome ( ! v he>t ( ! p4
 ,x is a "p ( ! p1 n cut (f f !m1 b (   
!m2 x is recruit$ 9 great numb]s f all  
sorts & conditions ( m54 ,9 e village & 
t[n--ne>ly e man has be5 a monk at "o "t
 or ano!r--x is hon\r$ alike by all2 x  
is kept 9 ! /raight way1 n only f !     
inh]5t righte\sness ( its tea*+1 b f !  
det]m9ation ( ! p to all[ no /a9 to re/ 
^u :at !y consid] z _! 'great glory4'   
,?is :ole monkhood is f\nd$ on fre$om4  
,x is held toge!r n by a /rong          
organization1 b by g5]al cons5t4 ,!re is
 no my/]y ab\t x1 !re are no d>k places 
"h :]e ! sunlight ( inquiry may n come4 
,! :ole bus9ess is s simple t ! v *ildr5
 c & d und]/& x4 ,i %all h express$     
myself v badly if ,i h n made x und]/ood
 h[ absolutely volunt>y ?is monkhood is1
 held toge!r by no ev]la/+ v[s1 re/ra9$ 
by no rigid discipl9e4 ,x is simply !   

free outcome ( ! free beliefs ( ! p1 z  
mu* a "p ( !m z ! fruit is ( ! tree4 ,y 
c\ld no m imag9e grapes )\t a v9e ?an a 
,buddhi/ monkhood t did n spr+ directly 
f1 & dep5d entirely on1 ! p4 ,x is !    
high] expression ( _! life4   ,9 writ+  
?is acc\nt ( ! ,burmese & _! religion1  
,i h tri$ always to see ) my own eyes1  
to write my own ?\ghts )\t any ref]5ce  
to :at anyone else may h ?\ght or       
writt54 ,i h believ$ t :atev] value may 
atta* to any man's op9ions consi/s 9 !  
fact t !y are 8 op9ions1 & n a re*auff (
 ! ?\ghts ( o!rs1 & !re=e ,i h n ev5    
ref]r$ to1 or quot$ f1 any o!r writ]1   
pref]r+ to write only :at ,i h myself   
se5 & ?\ght4 ,b ,i _c end ?is *apt] on !
 monks ( ! ,buddha )\t a ref]5ce to :at 
,bi%op ,big&et has said on ! same       
subject1 = he is no obs]v] prejudic$ 9  
fav\r ( ,buddhism1 b ! rev]se4 ,he 0 a  
bi%op ( ! ,*ur* ( ,rome1 believ+ always 
t 8 fai? conta9$ all tru?1 & t ! ,buddha
 0 b a 'pret5d$ savi\r1' 8 tea*+s bas$  
on 'capital & revolt+ errors1' & m>k$ ) 

an 'inexplicable & deplorable           
ecc5tricity4' ,bi%op ,big&et 0 9 no     
sympa?y ) ,buddhism1 b its av[$ foe1    
desir\s ( und]m9+ & de/roy+ its influ5ce
 ov] ! he>ts ( m51 & yet ?is is ! way he
 ends 8 *apt]3  ',!re is 9 t religi\s   
body--! monks--a lat5t pr9ciple (       
vitality t keeps x up & communicates to 
x an am\nt ( /r5g? & en]gy t has hi!rto 
ma9ta9$ x 9 ! mid/ ( w>s1 revolution>y &
 political1 convulsions ( all           
descriptions4 ,:e!r support$ or n by !  
rul+ p[]1 x has rema9$ always firm &    
un*ang$4 ,x is impossible to acc\nt     
satisfactorily = su* a ph5om5on1 unless 
we f9d a cle> & evid5t cause ( su*      
extraord9>y vitality1 a cause indep5d5t 
( ord9>y occurr5ces ( "t & circum/ances1
 a cause deeply root$ 9 ! v s\l ( !     
populations t exhibit be=e ! obs]v] ?is 
great & /rik+ religi\s feature4  ',t    
cause appe>s to be ! /rong religi\s     
s5tim5t1 ! firm fai?1 t p]vades ! mass (
 ,buddhi/s4 ,! laity admire & v5]ate !  
religi\s1 & volunt>ily & *e]fully       

contribute to _! ma9t5ance & welf>e4 ,f 
its ranks ! religi\s body is con/antly  
recruit$4 ,!re is h>dly a man t has n   
be5 a memb] ( ! frat]nity = a c]ta9     
p]iod ( "t4  ',surely su* a g5]al &     
cont9u$ impulse c\ld n la/ long unless x
 7 ma9ta9$ by a p[]ful religi\s         
connection4  ',! memb]s ( ! ord]        
pres]ve1 at lea/ ext]iorly1 ! decorum ( 
_! pr(ession4 ,! rules & regulations are
 tol]ably well obs]v$2 ! grades ( hi]>*y
 are ma9ta9$ ) scrupul\s exactitude4 ,! 
life ( ! religi\s is "o ( re/ra9t &     
p]petual control4 ,he is d5i$ all sorts 
( pleasures & div]sions4 ,h[ c\ld su* a 
sy/em ( self-d5ial ev] be ma9ta9$1 7 x n
 = ! belief :i* ! ,rahans h 9 ! m]its t 
!y amass by foll[+ a c\rse ( life :i*1  
aft] all1 is repugnant to ,nature8 ,x _c
 be d5i$ t human motives (t5 influ5ce   
bo? ! laity & ! religi\s1 b1 dive/$ (   
fai? & ! s5tim5ts suppli$ by ev5 a false
 belief1 _! action c\ld n produce 9 a   
la/+ & p]sev]+ mann] ! extraord9>y &    
/rik+ fact t we witness 9 ,buddhi/      

c\ntries4'  ,?is monkhood is ! pro( ( h[
 ! p believe4 ,has any religion ev] _h =
 tw5ty-f\r c5turies su* a pro( z ?is8   
,,*apt] ,,xi  ,,! ,,monkhood--,,ii      
',! re/ra9$ 9 h&1 re/ra9$ 9 foot1       
re/ra9$ 9 spee*1      ( ! greate/       
self-control4 ,he ^: delight is inw>d1  
:o is      tranquil & happy :5          
alone--him !y call                      
m5dicant4'--,acceptance into !          
,monkhood4   ,besides be+ ! ideal ( !   
,buddhi/s1 ! monk is m3 he is !         
s*oolma/] ( all ! boys4 ,x mu/ be       
rememb]$ t ?is is a ?+ aside f 8        
monkhood4 ,a monk ne$ n necess>ily tea*2
 ! aim & object ( ! monkhood is1 z ,i h 
writt5 9 ! la/ *apt]1 purity &          
ab/raction f ! _w4 ,if ! monk acts z    
s*oolma/]1 t is a ?+ ap>t4 ,& yet all   
mona/]ies are s*ools4 ,! ^w 9 ,burmese  
is ! same2 !y are id5tifi$ 9 popul>     
spee* & 9 popul> op9ion4 ,all !         
mona/]ies are full ( s*ol>s1 all ! monks
 tea*4 ,i suppose mu* ! same reasons h  
_h influ5ce "h z 9 o!r nations2 ! desire

 ( ! p>5ts t _! *ildr5 %\ld le>n        
religion 9 _! *ildhood1 ! fact t ! wise/
 & mo/ hon\r$ m5 ent]$ ! monkhood1 !    
leisure ( ! monks giv+ !m opportunity = 
su* occupation4  ,e man all ?r\gh ,burma
 has gone to a mona/]y s*ool z a lad1   
has liv$ !re ) ! monks1 has le>nt f !m !
 elem5ts ( education & a k ( 8 fai?4 ,x 
is an exception to f9d a ,burman :o _c  
read & write4 ,sometimes f lack (       
practice ! art is lo/ 9 lat] manhood1 b 
x has always be5 acquir$4 ,! education  
is n v deep--read+ ,burmese & writ+2    
simple1 v simple1 ari?metic2 a k ( !    
days & mon?s1 & a little geography1     
p]haps1 & hi/ory--t is all t is secul>4 
,b ( _! religion !y le>n a great deal4  
,!y h to get by he>t great portions ( ! 
sacr$ books1 /ories & tea*+s1 & !y h to 
le>n _m precepts4 ,!y h to recite !m1   
too1 z ^? :o h liv$ mu* ne> mona/]ies   
"k4 ,sev]al times a day1 at ab\t n9e    
o'clock at night1 & aga9 be=e dawn1 y w 
he> ! lads inton+ cle>ly & l\dly "s ( ! 
sacr$ tea*+s4 ,i h be5 awak5$ _m a "t 9 

! e>ly morn+1 be=e ! dawn1 be=e ev5 !   
promise ( ! dawn 9 ! ea/]n sky1 by !    
*ildr5's voices inton+4 ,& ,i h put     
aside my curta9 & look$ out f my        
re/-h\se & se5 !m 9 ! dim />light kneel+
 be=e ! pagoda1 ! tomb ( ! great tea*]1 
say+ 8 laws4 ,! light comes rapidly 9   
?is c\ntry3 ! sky r$d5s1 ! />s die      
quickly ov]head1 ! fir/ long beams (    
sunrise are trembl+ on ! dewy bamboo    
fea!rs ere !y h f9i%$4 ,x is "o ( ! mo/ 
beautiful sights imag9able to see monks 
& *ildr5 kneel+ on ! b>e gr\nd1 s++ :ile
 ! dawn comes4  ,! education 9 _!       
religion is v good1 v ?or\gh1 n only 9  
precept1 b 9 practice2 = 9 ! mona/]y y  
mu/ live a holy life1 z ! monks live1   
ev5 if y are b a s*oolboy4  ,b ! secul> 
education is limit$4 ,x is up to ! /&>d 
( education among/ ! p at l>ge1 b t is  
say+ little4 ,beyond read+ & writ+ &    
ari?metic x g5]ally does n g4 ,i h se5 !
 little boys d ari?metic4 ,!y 7 add+    
sums1 & !y began1 n z we w\ld1 on ! "r1 
b on ! left4 ,!y add$1 say1 ! hundr$s   

fir/2 !n !y wrote on ! slate ! numb] (  
hundr$s1 & add$ up ! t5s4 ,if x happ5$ t
 ! t5s m\nt$ up s z to add "o or m to ! 
hundr$s1 a grimy little f+] w\ld wipe   
out ! hundr$s already writt5 & write 9 !
 correct numb]s4 ,x foll[s t if ! units 
on be+ add$ up came to ov] t51 ! t5s mu/
 be correct$ ) ! grimy little f+]1 fir/ 
put 9 ! m\?4 ,p]haps bo? t5s & hundr$s  
_h to be writt5 aga94 ,x w be se5 t :5 y
 come to ?\s&s & t5s ( ?\s&s1 a good    
deal ( wip+ out & re-writ+ may be       
requir$4 ,a ,burman is v bad at         
ari?metic2 a villag] w (t5 write #acc z 
#ajj1cjc2 he w\ld almo/ z soon write #dc
 z #cd2 bo? figures are 9 ea* numb]1 y  
see4  ,i nev] met a ,burman :o _h any   
idea ( cubic measurem5t1 ?\gh l&        
measurem5t !y pick up v quickly4  ,i h  
said t ! education 9 ! mona/]ies is up  
to ! av]age education ( ! p4 ,t is s4   
,:e!r :5 civilization progresses & m    
education is requir$ ! mona/]ies w be   
able to provide x is ano!r ?+4  ,!      
education giv5 n[ is mo/ly a means to an

 end3 to le>n+ ! precepts ( religion4   
,:e!r ! monks w provide an education    
beyond su* a want1 ,i d\bt4 ,a monk is  
by 8 v[s1 by ! :ole t5\r ( 8 life1 ap>t 
f ! _w2 too ke5 a se>* aft] k1 any k9d (
 secul> k1 w\ld be a return to ! ?+s (  
?is life1 w\ld1 p]haps1 re-k9dle 9 him !
 desires t ! :ole mean+ ( 8 life is to  
annihilate4 ',& aft] ?\ ha/ run ov] all 
?+s1 :at w x pr(it !e if ?\ ha/ neglect$
 ?yself8'  ,besides1 no k1 except m]e   
!oretical k1 c be acquir$ )\t go+ ab\t 9
 ! _w4 ,y _c cut y\rself (f f ! _w & get
 k ( x4 ,yet ! monk is ap>t f ! _w4 ,x  
is true t ,buddhism has no antagonism to
 sci5ce--nay1 has e sympa?y )1 e        
attraction to1 sci5ce4 ,buddhism w nev] 
try & block ! progress ( ! tru?1 (      
light1 secul> or religi\s2 b :e!r !     
monks w f9d x )9 _! v[s to provide t    
sci5ce1 only "t c prove4 ,h[ev] x may   
be1 x w n make any diff]5ce to !        
e/imation 9 :i* ! monks are held4 ,!y   
are n hon\r$ = _! wisdom--!y (t5 h b    
little2 nor = _! le>n+--!y (t5 h none at

 all2 nor = _! indu/ry--!y are nev]     
indu/ri\s2 b because !y are m5 try+ to  
live--nay1 succe$+ 9 liv+--a life void (
 s94 ,up till n[ ! education giv5 by !  
monks has met ! wants ( ! p2 9 future x 
w d s less & less4 ,b a community t has 
liv$ ?r\gh tw5ty-f\r c5turies ( *ange1 &
 is n[ ( ! /r5g? & vitality t ! ,buddhi/
 monkhood is1 c h no?+ to fe> f any su* 
*ange4 ,s*oolma/]s1 except religi\s &   
elem5t>y1 !y may cease to be1 p]haps2 ! 
patt]n & ensample ( purity &            
righte\sness !y w always rema94         
,,*apt] ,,xii  ,,pray]       ',:at is   
!re t c ju/ify te>s & lam5tations8'     
,say+ ( ! ,buddha4   ,d[n bel[ my h\se1 
9 a grove ( palms ne> ! riv]1 0 a little
 re/-h\se4 ,x 0 b a ro( & a floor ( teak
 bo>d+ )\t any walls1 & x 0 pla9ly      
built4 ,x might h held1 p]haps1 tw5ty p2
 & "h1 z ,i /roll$ pa/ 9 ! ev5+ :5 ! sun
 0 sett+1 ,i w\ld see two or ?ree old m5
 sitt+ ) beads 9 _! h&s4 ,!y 7 mak+ _!  
devotions1 say+ to !mselves t ! _w 0 all
 tr\ble1 all we>9ess1 & t !re 0 no re/  

any:]e except 9 obs]v+ ! laws (         
righte\sness4 ,x 0 v pa!tic1 ,i ?\ght1  
to see !m !re1 say+ ?is ov] & ov] aga91 
z !y told _! beads ?r\gh _! )]$ f+]s1 = 
surely !re 0 no necessity = !m to le>n  
x4 ,has n ev]yone le>nt x1 ?is1 ! fir/  
tru? ( ,buddhism1 long be=e 8 hair is   
gray1 be=e 8 h&s are %ak+1 be=e 8 tee?  
are gone8 ,b !re !y w\ld sit1 ev5+ aft] 
ev5+1 ?9k+ ( ! *ange ab\t to come ^u !m 
soon1 realiz+ ! empt9ess ( life1 wi%+ = 
! ,great ,peace4  ,on ,sundays !        
re/-h\se1 l _m o!rs r\nd ! village1 0   
cr[d$4 ,old m5 !re w\ld be1 & "o or two 
"y m51 a few *ildr51 & _m wom54 ,e>ly 9 
! morn+ !y w\ld come1 & a monk w\ld come
 d[n f ! mona/]y ne> by1 & ea* "o w\ld  
v[1 ) ! monk z witness1 t he or %e w\ld 
sp5d ! day 9 m$itation & 9 holy ?\ght1  
w\ld bani% all ?\ght ( evil1 & be = !   
day at lea/ holy4 ,& !n1 ! v[ made1 !   
devotee w\ld g & sit 9 ! re/-h\se &     
m$itate4 ,! village is n v ne>2 ! s\nds 
come v s(tly ?r\gh ! trees1 n en\gh to  
di/urb ! m9d2 only !re is ! sigh ( ! w9d

 w&]+ amid ! leaves1 & ! occasional cry 
( birds4 ,once be=e noon a meal w be    
eat51 ei!r food br\ght ) !m cold1 or a  
simple pot ( rice boil$ beside !        
re/-h\se1 & !re !y w /ay till ! sun sets
 & d>kness is ga!r+ ab\t ! foot ( !     
trees4 ,!re is no s]vice at all4 ,! monk
 may come & read "p ( ! sacr$ books--"s 
( ! ,abidama1 or a s]mon f ! ,?oots--&  
p]haps sometimes he may exp\nd a little2
 t is all4 ,!re is no?+ ak9 to our ideas
 ( wor%ip4 ,= consid] :at our s]vice    
consi/s (3 !re is ?anksgiv+ & praise1   
!re is pray]1 !re is read+ ( ! ,bible1  
!re is a s]mon4 ,our ?anksgiv+ & praise 
is r5d]$ to ,god = ?+s ,he has done1 !  
pleasure t ,he has all[$ u to enjoy1 !  
puni%m5t t ,he might h inflict$ ^u u &  
has n4 ,our pray] is to ,him to pres]ve 
u 9 future1 to assi/ u 9 our tr\bles1 to
 give u our daily food1 n to be too     
sev]e ^u u1 n to puni% u z we des]ve1 b 
to be m]ciful & k9d4 ,we ask ,him to    
protect u f our enemies1 n to all[ !m to
 triumph ov] u1 b to give u triumph ov] 

!m4  ,b ! ,buddhi/ has f> o!r ?\ghts ?an
 ^!4 ,he believes t ! _w is rul$ by     
ev]la/+1 un*angeable laws (             
righte\sness4 ,! great ,god lives f>    
beh9d ,8 laws1 & !y are = ev] & ev]4 ,y 
_c *ange ! laws ( righte\sness by prais+
 !m1 or by cry+ aga9/ !m1 any m ?an y c 
*ange ! revolution ( ! e>?4 ,s9 begets  
sorr[1 sorr[ is ! only purifi] f s92 ^! 
are et]nal sequ5ces2 !y _c be alt]$2 x  
w\ld n be good t !y %\ld be alt]$4 ,!   
,buddhi/ believes t ! sequ5ces are f\nd$
 on righte\sness1 are ! pa? to          
righte\sness1 & he does n believe he    
c\ld alt] !m = ! bett]1 ev5 if he _h !  
p[] by pray] to d s4 ,he believes 9 !   
ev]la/+ righte\sness1 t all ?+s "w =    
good 9 ! end2 he has no ne$ = pray] or  
praise2 he ?9ks t ! _w is gov]n$ ) f>   
great] wisdom ?an any ( 8--p]fect       
wisdom1 t is too great1 too wond]ful1 = 
8 petty praise4  ,god lives f> beh9d ,8 
laws2 ?9k n ,he has made !m s badly z to
 require cont9ual rectification at !    
pray] ( man4 ,?9k n t ,god is n b\nd by 

,8 own laws4 ,! ,buddhi/ w nev] believe 
t ,god c break ,8 own laws2 t ,he is l  
an e>?ly k+ :o imag9es "o code (        
morality = 8 subjects & ano!r = himself4
 ,n s2 ! great laws are f\nd$ 9         
righte\sness1 s ! ,buddhi/ believes1 9  
ev]la/+ righte\sness2 !y are p]fect1 f> 
beyond our compreh5sion2 !y are !       
et]nal1 un*angeable1 m>vell\s w ( ,god1 
& x is our duty n to be = ev] fretfully 
try+ to *ange !m1 b to be try+ to und]/&
 !m4 ,t is ! ,buddhi/ belief 9 ! mean+ (
 religion1 & 9 ! laws ( righte\sness2 t 
is1 he believes ! duty ( him :o w\ld    
foll[ religion to try to und]/& ^! laws1
 to br+ !m home to ! he>t1 s to ord]    
life z to br+ x into h>mony )           
righte\sness4  ,n[ see ! diff]5ce4 ,we  
believe t ! _w is gov]n$ n by et]nal    
laws1 b by a *angeable & cont9ually     
*ang+ ,god1 & t x is our duty to try &  
p]suade ,him to make x bett]4  ,we      
believe1 really1 t we "k a great deal   
bett] ?an ,god :at is good1 n only = u1 
b = o!rs2 we d n believe ,8 w is always 

righte\s--n at all3 ,god has wra? to be 
deprecat$2 ,he has m]cy to be ar\s$2 ,he
 has p>tiality to be turn$ t[>ds u1 &   
h5ce our pray]s4  ,b to ! ,buddhi/ !    
:ole _w is rul$ by righte\sness1 ! same 
= all1 ! same = ev]1 & ! only s9 is     
ignorance ( ^! laws4  ,! ,buddha is he  
:o has f\nd = u ! light to see ^! laws1 
& to ord] our life 9 accordance ) !m4   
,n[ x w be und]/ood1 ,i ?9k1 :y !re is  
no pray]1 no ga!r+ toge!r = any         
c]emonial1 9 ,buddhism2 :y !re is no    
praise1 no ?anksgiv+ ( any k9d2 :y x is 
s v diff]5t 9 ?is way f our fai?4       
,buddhism is a wisdom1 a seek+ ( !      
light1 a foll[+ ( ! light1 ea* man z be/
 he c1 & x has v little to correspond ) 
our pray]1 our s]vices ( praise1 our    
meet+s toge!r 9 ! "n ( ,*ri/4  ,!re=e1  
:5 y see a man kneel+ be=e a pagoda1    
mov+ sil5t lips ( pray]1 :5 y see ! p   
sitt+ quietly 9 ! re/-h\ses on a        
,sunday1 :5 y see ! old m5 tell+ _!     
beads to !mselves sl[ly & sadly1 :5 y   
he> ! resonant *ant ( monks & *ildr51   

l5d+ a s\l to ! sil5ce ( ! gloam+1 y w  
"k :at !y are do+4 ,!y are try+ to      
und]/& & br+ home to !mselves ! et]nal  
laws ( righte\sness2 !y are hon\r+ _!   
great tea*]4  ,?is is all t !re is2 ?is 
is ! mean+ ( all t y see & he>4 ,!      
,buddhi/ praises & hon\rs ! ,buddha1 !  
,indian pr9ce :o s long ago w5t out into
 ! wild]ness to se>* = tru?1 & aft] _m  
ye>s f\nd x 9 8 own he>t2 he rev]5ces ! 
,buddha = see+ ! light2 he ?anks !      
,buddha = 8 toil & ex]tion 9 mak+ ?is   
light kn[n to all m54 ,x c d ! ,buddha  
no good1 all ?is praise1 = he has come  
to 8 et]nal peace2 b x c ar\se !        
en?usiasm ( ! foll[]1 c br+ into 8 he>t 
love = ! memory ( ! great tea*]1 & a    
firm resolve to foll[ 8 tea*+4  ,!      
s]vice ( 8 religion is to try & foll[ ^!
 laws1 to take !m home into ! he>t1 t ! 
foll[]1 too1 may come soon into ! ,great
 ,peace4  ,?is has be5 call$ pessimism4 
,surely x is ! greate/ optimism ! _w has
 kn[n--?is c]ta9ty t ! _w is rul$ by    
righte\sness1 t ! _w has be51 t ! _w w  

always be1 rul$ by p]fect righte\sness4 
,to ! ,buddhi/ ?is is a c]ta9ty4 ,! laws
 are laws ( righte\sness1 if man w\ld b 
see1 w\ld b und]/&4 ,d n compla9 & cry &
 pray1 b op5 y\r eyes & see4 ,! light is
 all ab\t y1 if y w\ld only ca/ ! b&age 
f y\r eyes & look4 ,x is s wond]ful1 s  
beautiful1 f> beyond :at any man has    
dreamt (1 has pray$ =1 & x is = ev] & = 
ev]4  ,?is is ! attitude ( ,buddhism    
t[>ds pray]1 t[>ds ?anksgiv+4 ,x        
consid]s !m an imp]t95ce & a fooli%ness1
 born ( ignorance1 ak9 to ! action ( him
 :o w\ld daily desire ,atlas n to all[ !
 heav5s to drop ^u ! e>?4  ,& yet1 &    
yet4  ,i rememb] /&+ once on ! plat=m ( 
a fam\s pagoda1 ! gold5 spire ris+ be=e 
u1 & c>v$ %r9es ar\nd u1 & see+ a woman 
ly+ !re1 h] face to ! pagoda4 ,%e 0     
pray+ f]v5tly1 s f]v5tly t h] words c\ld
 be he>d1 = %e _h no c>e = anyone ab\t1 
9 su* tr\ble 0 %e2 & :at %e 0 ask+ 0    
?is1 t h] *ild1 h] baby1 might n die4   
,%e held ! little ?+ 9 h] arms1 & z %e  
look$ ^u x h] eyes 7 full ( te>s4 ,= x 0

 v sick2 its little limbs 7 b ?9 bones1 
) big knees & elb[s1 & its face 0 v wan4
 ,x c\ld n ev5 take any int]e/ 9 !      
wond]ful sights ar\nd1 b h>dly op5$ its 
c>eworn eyes n[ & !n to bl9k ^u ! _w4   
',let him recov]1 let him be well once  
m6' ! woman cri$1 aga9 & aga94  ,:om 0  
%e besee*+8 ,i d n "k4  ',?ak91 !re w be
 ,someone1 ,someone4 ,a ,_s may he>4 ,:o
 c tell8 ,surely someone w help me8 ,m5 
w\ld help me if !y c\ld1 b !y _c2 surely
 !re w be someone8'  ,s %e did n rememb]
 ! /ory ( ,ma ,pa ,da4  ,wom5 (t5 pray1 
,i ?9k--!y pray t _! husb&s & ^? !y love
 may be well4 ,x is a frequ5t end+ to a 
girl's lett] to h] lov]3 ',& ,i pray    
always t y may be well4' ,i nev] he>d ( 
_! pray+ = any?+ b ?is3 t !y may be     
lov$1 & ^? !y love may be well4 ,no?+   
else is wor? pray+ = besides ?is4 ,!    
que5 w\ld pray at ! pagoda 9 ! palace   
morn+ & ev5+4 ',:at did %e pray =8'     
',:at %\ld %e pray =1 ?ak98 ,surely %e  
pray$ t h] husb& might be true to h]1 & 
t h] *ildr5 might live & be /rong4 ,t is

 :at wom5 pray =4 ,d y ?9k a que5 w\ld  
pray diff]5tly to any o!r woman8'       
',wom51' say ! ,buddhi/ monks1 'nev]    
und]/&4 ,!y w n und]/&2 !y _c le>n4 ,& s
 we say t mo/ wom5 mu/ be born aga91 z  
m51 be=e !y c see ! light & und]/& !    
laws ( righte\sness4'  ,:at d wom5 c>e =
 laws ( righte\sness8 ,:at d !y c>e =   
ju/ice8 ,:at = ! ev]la/+ sequ5ces t     
gov]n ! _w8 ,w\ld n !y involve all o!r  
m51 all e>? & heav51 9 bottomless *aos1 
to save "o he>t !y lov$8 ,t is woman's  
religion4     ,,*apt] ,,xiii  ,,fe/ivals
       ',! law is sweet1 fill+ ! s\l )  
joy4'                                   
,say+ ( ! ,buddha4   ,! ?ree mon?s ( !  
ra9s1 f ! full moon ( ,july to ! full   
moon ( ,octob]1 is ! ,buddhi/ ,l5t4 ,x 0
 dur+ ^! mon?s t ! ,buddha w\ld retire  
to "s mona/]y & cease f travell+ & tea*+
 = a "t4 ,! cu/om 0 f> old] ev5 ?an t--s
 old t we d n "k h[ x arose4 ,its orig9 
is lo/ 9 ! mi/s ( f>-away "t4 ,b :atev] 
! beg9n+ may h be51 x fits 9 v well ) ! 
habits ( ! p2 = 9 ! ra9s travell+ is n  

easy4 ,! roads are v bad1 cov]$ ev5 )   
wat]1 (t5 deep 9 mud2 & ! re/-h\ses1 )  
op5 sides1 are n v com=table ) ! ra9    
drift+ 94 ,ev5 if !re 7 no cu/om ( ,l5t1
 !re w\ld be b little travell+ !n4 ,p   
w\ld /ay at home1 bo? because ( !       
discom=t ( mov+1 & because !re is mu* "w
 !n at ! village4 ,= ?is is ! "t to     
pl\gh1 ?is is ! "t to s[2 on ! villag]s'
 ex]tions 9 ^! mon?s dep5ds all _!      
ma9t5ance = ! re/ ( ! ye>4 ,e man1 e    
woman1 e *ild1 has h>d "w ( "s k9d or   
ano!r4  ,:at ) ! difficulties (         
travell+1 :at ) ! "w !re is to d1 & :at 
) ! cu/om ( ,l5t1 ev]yone /ays at home4 
,x is ! "t = pray]1 = fa/+1 = improv+ ! 
s\l4 ,_m m5 dur+ ^! mon?s w live ev5 z !
 monks live1 w eat b be=e mid-day1 w    
ab/a9 f tobacco4 ,!re are no plays dur+ 
,l5t1 & !re are no m>riages4 ,x is ! "t 
= prep>+ ! l& = ! crop2 x is ! "t =     
prep>+ ! s\l = et]nity4 ,! congregations
 on ! ,sundays w be f> great] at ?is "t 
?an at any o!r2 !re w be m ?\ght ( !    
s]i\s ?+s ( life4  ,x is a v long       

,l5t--?ree mon?s2 b ) ! full moon (     
,octob] comes ! end4 ,! ra9s !n are ov]2
 ! great black bank ( cl\ds t wall$ up  
all ! s\? s long is gone4 ,! s\? w9d has
 di$ away1 & ! light1 fre% nor? w9d is  
com+ d[n ! riv]4 ,! roads are dry+ up1 !
 "w 9 ! fields is ov] = a "t1 await+ !  
rip5+ ( ! gra94 ,! damp has gone out ( !
 air1 & x is v cle>4 ,y c see once m !  
purple m\nta9s t y h miss$ s long2 !re  
is a new feel+ 9 ! w9d1 a laught] 9 !   
sun%9e1 a flu% ( blossom along ! fields 
l ! awak5+ ( a new joy4 ,! ra9s are gone
 & ! cool wea!r is com+2 ,l5t is ov] &  
gladness is return$2 ! crop has be5 s[n1
 & soon w come ! reap+4 ,& s at ?is full
 moon ( ,octob] is ! great fea/ ( ! ye>4
 ,!re are o!r fe/ivals3 ( ! ,new ,ye>1 9
 ,m>*1 ) its wat]-?r[+2 ( ea* great     
pagoda at its appo9t$ "t2 b ( all1 !    
fe/ival at ! end ( ,l5t is ! greate/4   
,:]ev] !re are great pagodas ! p w come 
9 f f> & ne> = ! fea/4 ,!re are _m great
 pagodas 9 ,burma2 !re is ! ,arakan     
pagoda 9 ,m&alay1 & !re 0 ! ,incomp>able

 pagoda1 :i* has be5 burnt2 !re are     
great pagodas at ,pegu1 at ,prome1 at _m
 o!r places2 b p]haps ! greate/ ( all is
 ! ,%we ,dagon at ,rangoon4  ,y see x f 
f> away z y come up ! riv]1 /eam+ 9 f ! 
op5 sea1 a great tongue ( flame be=e y4 
,x /&s on a small conical hill j beh9d !
 city ( ,rangoon1 ab\t two miles away f 
! :>ves & %ipp+ 9 ! busy riv]4 ,! hill  
has be5 levell$ on ! top & pav$ into a  
wide plat=m1 to :i* y asc5d by a flight 
( _m /eps f ! gate bel[1 :]e /& !       
dragons4 ,?is entrance-way is all ro($  
ov]1 & ! pill>s & ! ceil+ are r$ &      
pa9t$4 ,"h x 0 t mu* fight+ took place 9
 ! e>ly w>s1 9 #aheb especially1 & _m   
m51 ,engli% & ,burmese1 7 kill$ 9 /orm+ 
& def5d+ ?is /rong place4 ,= x _h be5   
made a v /rong place1 ?is holy place (  
him :o taught t peace 0 ! only good1 & !
 def5ces r\nd ab\t x are /&+ /ill4 ,^u !
 top ( ?is hill1 ! flat pav$ top1 /&s ! 
pagoda1 a great solid tap]+ cone ov]    
?ree hundr$ feet high1 end+ 9 an iron   
fretwork spire t glitt]s ) gold &       

jewels2 & ! :ole pagoda is cov]$ )      
gold--pure leaf-gold4 ,d[n bel[ x is be+
 always r5ew$ by ! pi\s (f]+s ( ^? :o   
come to pray & spread a little gold-leaf
 on x2 b e n[ & !n x is all regilt1 f ! 
top1 f> away above y1 to ! gold5 lions t
 gu>d its base4 ,x is a mo/ wond]ful    
sight1 ?is great gold5 cone1 9 t        
m>vell\s sunlight t ba!s its sides l a  
gold5 sea4 ,x seems to %ake & tremble 9 
! light l a fire4 ,& all ab\t ! plat=m1 
edg+ x ere x falls away bel[1 are little
 %r9es1 m>vels ( c>v5 woodwork & r$     
lacqu]4 ,!y h tap]+ ro(s1 "o above      
ano!r1 till !y1 too1 end 9 a gold5 spire
 full ( little bells ) tongues4 ,z ! w9d
 bl[s ! tongues move to & fro1 & ! air  
is full ( music1 s fa9t1 s cle>1 l      
'silv] /ir ( /r+s 9 holl[ %ells4'  ,9   
mo/ ( ^! %r9es !re are /atues ( ! great 
tea*]1 cut 9 :ite alaba/]1 glimm]+      
:itely 9 ! lu/r\s %ad[s !re )92 & 9 "o  
%r9e is ! great bell4 ,long ago we tri$ 
to take ?is great bell2 we tri$ to s5d x
 home z a w> trophy1 ?is bell /ol5 f _! 

sacr$ place1 b we fail$4 ,z x 0 be+ put 
on bo>d a %ip1 x slipp$ & fell into !   
riv] into ! mud1 :]e ! fi]ce tides are  
ev] com+ & go+4 ,& :5 all ! ef=ts ( our 
eng9e]s to raise x _h fail$1 ! ,burmese 
ask$3 ',! bell1 our bell1 is !re 9 !    
wat]4 ,y _c get x up4 ,y h tri$ & y h   
fail$4 ,if we c get x up1 may we h x    
back to hang 9 our pagoda z our own     
aga98' ,& !y 7 told1 ) a laugh1 p]haps1 
t !y might2 & s !y rais$ x up aga91 !   
riv] giv+ back to !m :at x _h refus$ to 
u1 & !y took & hung x :]e x us$ to be4  
,!re x is n[1 & y may he> x :5 y g1 giv+
 out a long1 deep note1 ! beat ( !      
pagoda's he>t4  ,!re are _m trees1 too1 
ab\t ! pagoda plat=m--s _m1 t se5 f> (f 
y c only see ! trees & ! pagoda t[]+    
above !m4 ,h n trees be5 always sacr$   
?+s8 ,h n all religions be5 glad to give
 _! fanes ! glory & maje/y ( great      
trees8  ,y may look f ! pagoda plat=m   
ov] ! :ole c\ntry1 ov] ! city & ! riv] &
 ! /raight /reets2 & on ! o!r side y may
 see ! long :ite lakes & little hills   

cov]$ ) trees4 ,x is a v beautiful      
place1 ?is pagoda1 & x is /eep$ 9 an    
od\r ( hol9ess1 ! p]fume ( ! ?\s& ?\s&  
pray]s t h be5 pray$ !re1 ( ! ?\s& ?\s& 
holy ?\ghts t h be5 ?\ght !re4  ,!      
pagoda plat=m is always full ( p kneel+1
 say+ ov] & ov] ! great precepts ( _!   
fai?1 try+ to br+ into _! he>ts ! mean+ 
( ! tea*+ ( him ( :om ?is wond]ful      
pagoda repres5ts ! tomb4 ,!re are always
 monks !re pass+ to & fro1 or /&+ lean+ 
on ! pill>s ( ! %r9es2 !re are always a 
cr[d ( p climb+ up & d[n ! long /eps t  
lead f ! road bel[4 ,x is a place ,i    
always g to :5 ,i am 9 ,rangoon2 =1     
besides its beauty1 !re are ! p2 & if y 
g & /& ne> :]e ! /airway rea*es ! plat=m
 y w see ! p come up4 ,!y come up s+ly1 
9 twos1 9 gr\ps4 ,fir/ a nun1 p]haps1   
walk+ v s(tly1 clad 9 h] :ite dress ) h]
 beads ab\t h] neck1 & !re 9 a corn] by 
a little %r9e %e w spread a clo? ^u !   
h>d /ones & kneel & b[ h] face to !     
great pagoda4 ,!n %e w repeat1 ',sorr[1 
mis]y1 tr\ble1' ov] & ov] aga91 runn+ h]

 beads ?r\gh h] f+]s1 repeat+ ! words 9 
! hope t 9 ! end %e may und]/& :i!r !y  
%\ld lead h]4 ',sorr[1 mis]y1           
tr\ble'--ah6 surely %e mu/ "k :at !y    
mean1 or %e w\ld n be a nun4 ,& !n comes
 a "y man1 & aft] a rev]5ce to ! pagoda 
he goes w&]+ r\nd1 look+ = someone1     
maybe2 & !n comes an old man ) 8 son4   
,!y /op at ! little /alls on ! /airs1 & 
!y h b\ght !re ea* a c&le4 ,! old man   
has a pla9 tap]1 b ! little lad mu/ h "o
 ) 8 emblem on x4 ,ea* day has its own  
sign1 a tig] = ,monday1 & s on1 & ! lad 
buys a c&le l a little rat1 = 8 bir?day 
is ,friday1 & ! fa!r & son g on to !    
plat=m4 ,!re !y kneel d[n side by side1 
! old man & ! little *ubby lad1 & !y1   
too1 say t all is mis]y & delusion4     
,pres5tly !y rise & advance to !        
pagoda's gold5 base1 & put _! c&les     
!reon & light !m4 ,?is side ( ! pagoda  
is 9 %ad[ n[1 & s y c see ! lights ( !  
c&les z little />s4  ,& !n come ?ree    
girls1 si/]s1 p]haps1 all s prettily    
dress$1 ) meek eyes1 & !y1 too1 buy     

c&les2 !y1 too1 kneel & make _!         
devotions1 = long1 s long1 t y wond] if 
any?+ has happ5$1 if !re has be5 any    
tr\ble t has br\ght !m ?us 9 ! sunset to
 ! remembrance ( religion4 ,b at la/ !y 
rise1 & !y light _! little c&les ne> by 
:]e ! old man & ! boy h lit !irs1 & !n  
!y g away4 ,!y are s sad1 !y keep _!    
faces s turn$ ^u ! gr\nd1 t y fe> !re   
has be5 some?+1 "s tr\ble come ^u !m4 ,y
 feel s sorry = !m1 y w\ld l to ask !m  
:at x all is2 y w\ld l to help !m if y  
c\ld4 ,b y c d no?+4 ,!y g away d[n !   
/eps1 & y he> ! nun repeat+ always1     
',sorr[1 mis]y1 tr\ble4'  ,s !y come &  
g4  ,b on ! fe/ival days at ! end ( ,l5t
 x is f> m wond]ful4 ,!n = units !re are
 t5s1 = t5s !re are hundr$s--all come to
 d rev]5ce to ! great tea*] at ?is 8    
great holy place4 ,!re is no especial   
c]emony1 no great s]vice1 su* z we are  
accu/om$ to on our fe/ivals4 ,only !re w
 be _m (f]+s2 !re w be a procession1    
maybe1 ) (f]+s to ! pagoda1 ) (f]+s to !
 monks2 !re w be mu* gold-leaf spread ^u

 ! pagoda sides2 !re w be _m p kneel+   
!re--t is all4 ,=1 y see1 ,buddhism is n
 an affair ( a community1 b ( ea* man's 
own he>t4  ,to see ! great pagoda on !  
fe/ival days is "o ( ! sights ( ! _w4   
,!re are a great cr[d ( p com+ & go+1   
climb+ up ! /eps4 ,!re are all sorts (  
p1 ri* & poor1 old & "y4 ,old m5 !re    
are1 climb+ we>ily up ^! /eps t are s   
/eep1 /eps t lead t[>ds ! ,great ,peace2
 & !re are old wom51 too--_m ( !m4  ,"y 
m5 w be !re1 walk+ briskly up1 laugh+ & 
talk+ to ea* o!r1 v happy1 v m]ry1 glad 
to see ea* o!r1 to see s _m p1 call+    
pleasant greet+s to _! fri5ds z !y pass4
 ,!y are all s gaily dress$1 ) beautiful
 silks & :ite jackets & gay sat9        
head-clo?s1 ti$ ) a little end /ick+ up 
z a plume4  ,& ! girls1 h[ %all ,i      
describe !m1 s sweet !y are1 s pretty 9 
_! fre% dresses1 ) d[nca/ eyes ( mode/y1
 temp]$ ) little side-glances4 ,!y      
laugh1 too1 z !y g1 & !y talk1 nev]     
=gett+ ! sacr$ness ( ! place1 nev]      
=gett+ ! rev]5ces due1 kneel+ always    

fir/ z !y come up to ! great pagoda1 b  
be+ ( good c\rage1 happy & cont5t$4 ,!re
 are *ildr51 too1 numb]s & numb]s ( !m1 
walk+ along1 ) _! little h&s clasp+ s   
tightly "s bigg] ones1 v fe>ful le/ !y  
%\ld be lo/4 ,!y are z gay z butt]flies 
9 _! dress1 b _! looks are v solemn4    
,!re is no solemnity l t ( a little     
*ild2 x takes all ! _w s v1 v s]i\sly1  
walk+ along ) great eyes ( wond] at all 
x sees ab\t x4  ,!y are all well dress$ 
:o come "h2 on a fe/ival day ev5 ! poor 
c be dress$ well4 ,p9ks & r$s are !     
prevail+ col\rs1 9 *ecks1 9 /ripes1 mix$
 usually ) :ite4 ,^! col\rs g be/ ) _!  
br[n sk9s1 & !y are fonde/ ( !m4 ,b !re 
are o!r col\rs1 too3 !re is silv] & gre5
 embroid]y1 & !re are %ot-silks 9 purple
 & orange1 & !re is d>k blue4 ,all !    
jackets1 or ne>ly all ! jackets1 are    
:ite ) wide sleeves1 %[+ ! arm ne>ly up 
to ! elb[4 ,ea* man has 8 turban v gay1 
:ile ea* girl has a bright h&k]*ief :i* 
%e drapes z %e likes ^u h] arm1 or      
c>ries 9 h] h&4 ,su* a blaze ( col\r    

w\ld n look well ) u4 ,"u our dull skies
 & ) our sob] lights x w\ld be too      
bright2 b "h x is n s4 ,ev]y?+ is temp]$
 by ! sun2 x is s brilliant1 ?is        
sunlight1 su* a gold5 flood p\r+ d[n &  
ba?+ ! :ole _w1 t ^! col\rs are only 9  
keep+4 ,be=e !m is ! gold pagoda1 & ab\t
 !m ! r$ lacqu] & d>k-br[n c>v+ ( !     
%r9es4  ,y he> voices l ! murmur ( a    
summ] sea1 ris+ & fall+1 full ( laught] 
l[ & sweet1 & above is ! music ( ! fairy
 bells4  ,ev]y?+ is 9 keep+--! %9+      
pagoda & ! gaily-dress$ p1 _! voices & !
 bells1 ev5 ! great bell f> beyond1 &   
all are s happy4  ,! fea/ la/s = sev5   
days2 b ( ^! !re are ?ree t are great]1 
& ( ^!1 "o1 ! day ( ! full moon1 is !   
greate/ ( all4 ,on t day ! (f]+s w be   
mo/ num]\s1 ! cr[d d5se/4 ,d[n bel[ !   
pagoda are _m tempor>y /alls built1 :]e 
y c buy all sorts ( fair+s1 f a baby's  
jo9t$ doll to a new silk dress2 & !re   
are re/aurants :]e y may obta9          
refre%m5ts2 = ! pagoda is "s way f !    
/reets ( ! city1 & on fe/ival days      

refre%m5ts are mu* want$4  ,^! /alls are
 always cr[d$ ) p buy+ & sell+1 or look+
 anxi\sly at ! _m pretty w>es1 unable1  
p]haps1 to buy4 ,! refre%m5ts are       
usually v simple--rice & curry = supp]1 
& = little refre%m5ts betwe5 :iles !re  
are sug>-cakes & v]micelli1 & o!r little
 cates4  ,! cr[d go+ up & d[n ! /eps is 
l a gorge\s-col\r$ flood1 cre/$ ) :ite  
foam1 fl[+ betwe5 ! dragons ( ! gate2 & 
on ! plat=m ! cr[d is ?ick] ?an ev]4    
,all day ! fe/ival goes on--! pray+1 !  
(f]+ ( gifts1 ! burn+ ( little c&les    
be=e ! %r9es--until ! sun sets across ! 
op5 c\ntry f> beyond 9 gold & crimson   
glory4 ,b ev5 !n !re is no pause1 no    
d>kness1 = h>dly has ! sun's la/ bright 
%aft fad$ f ! pagoda spire f> above1    
:ile 8 /ream]s are /ill bright across ! 
we/1 ?an !re comes 9 ! ea/ a new        
radiance1 s s(t1 s wond]ful1 x seems m  
beautiful ?an ! dy+ day4 ,across ! mi/y 
fields ! moon is ris+2 fir/ a crimson   
globe hung l[ among ! trees1 b ris+ fa/1
 & z x rises gr[+ :it]4 ,its light comes

 flood+ d[n ^u ! e>?1 pure silv] ) v    
black %ad[s4 ,!n ! night breeze beg9s to
 bl[1 v s(tly1 v g5tly1 & ! trees give  
out _! od\r to ! night1 :i* woos !m s   
mu* m sweetly ?an ! day1 till ! air is  
heavy ) inc5se4  ,behold1 ! pagoda has  
/>t$ into a new glory1 = x is all hung  
ab\t ) little lamps1 myriads ( t9y      
cressets1 & ! faades ( ! %r9es are lit  
up1 too4 ,! lamps are put 9 long r[s or 
9 circles1 to fit ! places !y adorn4 ,!y
 are little e>!nw>e j>s full (          
cocoanut-oil1 ) a lip :]e is ! wick4 ,!y
 burn v r$ly1 & ?r[ a r$ light ab\t !   
plat=m1 break+ ! %ad[s t ! moonlight    
?r[s & /a9+ its :it5ess4  ,9 ! /reets1  
too1 !re are lamps--! h\ses are l9$ )   
!m--& !re are little pagodas & %ips     
curi\sly design$ 9 flame4  ,all ! p come
 out to see ! illum9ations1 j z !y d ) u
 at ,*ri/mas to see ! %op-w9d[s1 & !    
/reets are cr[d$ ) p go+ to & fro1      
laugh+ & talk+4 ,& !re are dramatic     
ent]ta9m5ts go+ on1 dances & m>ionette  
%[s1 all 9 ! op5 air4 ,! p are all s    

happy1 !y take _! pleasure s pleasantly1
 t x is a delight to see !m4 ,y _c help 
b be happy1 too4 ,! m5 joke & laugh1 & y
 laugh1 too2 ! *ildr5 smile at y z !y   
pass1 & y mu/ smile1 too2 c y help x8 ,&
 to see ! girls makes ! he>t glad )9 y4 
,!re is an infection f ! good temp] & ! 
gaiety ab\t y t is irresi/ible1 ev5 if y
 %\ld want to resi/ x4  ,! fe/ival goes 
on till v late4 ,! moon is s bright t y 
=get h[ late x is1 & only rememb] h[    
beautiful x is all ar\nd4 ,y are v loa? 
to leave x1 & s x is n till ! moon      
itself is fall+ l[ d[n 9 ! same pa? :i!r
 ! sun w5t be=e h]1 x is n till ! lamps 
are dy+ "o by "o & ! *ildr5 are yawn+ v 
sleepily1 t ! cr[d disp]ses & ! pagoda  
is at re/4  ,su* is a great fea/ at a   
great pagoda4  ,b :5ev] ,i ?9k ( a great
 fea/1 :5ev] ! gr[+ autumn moon tells me
 t ! end ( ,l5t is draw+ nigh1 x is n ! 
great fea/ ( ! ,%we ,dagon1 nor ( any   
o!r fam\s pagoda t comes into my m9d1 b 
some?+ f> diff]5t4  ,x 0 on a fronti]   
long ago t !re 0 ! fe/ival t ,i rememb] 

s well4 ,! c\ntry !re 0 v f> away f all 
! big t[ns2 ! p 7 n civiliz$ z ^? (     
,m&alay or ( ,rangoon2 ! pagoda 0 a v   
small "o4 ,!re 0 no gild+ ^u x at all1 &
 no %r9es 7 ab\t x2 x /ood alone1 j a   
little :ite pla/]$ pagoda1 ) a few trees
 ne> x1 on a b>e rice-field4 ,!re 7 a   
few villages ab\t1 dott$ "h & !re 9 !   
swamp1 & ! p ( ^! 7 all t came to our   
fe/ival4  ,= long be=e ! villages 7     
prep>+ = x1 sav+ a little money "h1 do+ 
a little extra "w !re1 s t !y might be  
able to h pres5ts ready = ! monks1 s t  
!y might be able to subscribe to !      
lights1 s t !y w\ld h a good dress 9 :i*
 !y might appe>4  ,! m5 did a little m  
"w at ! fields1 bamboo-cutt+ 9 ! =e/1   
mak+ baskets 9 ! ev5+1 & ! wom5 wove4   
,all _h to "w v h>d to h ev5 a little   
m>g92 = !re1 al?\gh food--pla9 rice--0 v
 *eap1 all o!r ?+s 7 v exp5sive4 ,x 0 s 
f> to br+ !m1 & ! roads 7 s bad4 ,i     
rememb] t ! only ,european ?+s to be    
b\ght !re !n 7 mat*es & t9n$ milk1 &    
copp] money 0 n kn[n4 ,y paid a rupee1 &

 took ! *ange 9 rice or o!r commodities4
  ,! excitem5t ( ! great day ( ! full   
moon began 9 ! morn+1 ab\t t5 o'clock1 )
 ! (f]+s to ! monks4 ,outside ! village 
gate !re 0 a piece ( /raight road1 dry &
 op51 & on ea* side ( ?is1 9 r[s1 7 ! p 
) _! gifts2 mo/ly !y 7 eatables4 ,y see 
t x is v difficult to f9d any v>iety (  
?+s to give a monk2 he is v /rictly     
limit$ 9 ! ?+s he is all[$ to receive4  
,g>m5ts1 yell[ g>m5ts1 curta9s to       
p>tition (f corn]s ( ! mona/]ies & keep 
away ! draughts1 sacr$ books &          
eatables--t is ne>ly all4 ,b eatables   
all[ a v wide range4 ,a monk may accept 
& eat any food--n dr9k1 ( c\rse--provid$
 he eat b ! "o big meal a day be=e noon2
 & s mo/ ( ! (f]+s 7 eatables4 ,ea*     
donor knelt !re ^u ! road ) 8 or h]     
(f]+s 9 a tray 9 front4 ,!re 0 rice     
cook$ 9 all sorts ( %apes1 ord9>y rice =
 eat+ ) curry1 & ! sweet purple rice1   
cook$ 9 bamboos & com+ out 9 /icks4 ,!re
 7 vegetables1 too1 ( v _m k9ds1 & sug> 
& cakes & oil & honey1 & _m o!r su* ?+s4

 ,!re 7 a few1 v few1 books1 = !y are v 
h>d to get1 be+ all 9 manuscript2 & !re 
7 "o or two tape/ry curta9s2 b !re 7    
heaps ( fl[]s4 ,i rememb] !re 0 "o girl 
^: :ole (f]+ 0 a few or*id sprays1 & a  
little1 v little1 heap ( common rice4   
,%e 0 s poor2 h] fa!r & "m 7 dead1 & %e 
0 n m>ri$4 ,x 0 all %e c\ld give4 ,%e   
sat beh9d h] little (f]+1 z did all !   
donors4 ,& my gift8 ,well1 al?\gh an    
,engli% (ficial1 ,i 0 n !n v mu* ri*]   
?an ! p ab\t me1 s my gift mu/ be small1
 too--a t9 ( biscuits1 a t9 or two (    
jam1 a new pair ( scissors4 ,i did n sit
 beh9d !m myself1 b gave !m to ! headman
 to put ) 8 (f]+s2 = ! monks 7 old      
fri5ds ( m9e4 ,did ,i n live 9 "o ( _!  
mona/]ies = ov] two mon?s :5 we fir/    
came & camp$ !re ) a cavalry squadron8  
,& if !re is any m]it 9 su* little      
*>ity1 z ! ,burmese say !re is1 :y %\ld 
,i n ga9 x1 too8 ,! monks said my pres5t
 0 be/ ( all1 because x 0 s uncommon2 & 
! biscuits1 !y said1 ?\gh !y did n ta/e 
( mu* :ile y 7 eat+ !m1 _h a v pleasant 

aft]-ta/e t la/$ a long "t4 ,!y 7 l     
*>ity1 maybe3 t has a pleasant          
aft]-ta/e1 too1 !y tell me4  ,:5 all !  
pres5ts1 ) ! donors beh9d !m1 dress$ all
 9 _! be/1 7 ready1 ! monks came4 ,!re 7
 f\r mona/]ies ne> by1 & ! monks1 p]haps
 9 all ?irty1 old & "y1 monks & novices1
 came 9 "o long procession1 walk+ v     
sl[ly1 ) d[nca/ eyes1 betwe5 ! r[s (    
gifts & giv]s4 ,!y did n look at !m at  
all4 ,x is n prop] = a monk to notice ! 
gifts he receives2 b s*oolboys :o came  
along beh9d att5d+ on !m1 !y saw & made 
rem>ks4 ,p]haps !y saw ! *ance ( "s     
ov]fl[ ( ^! good ?+s com+ _! way4       
',see1' "o nudg$ ! o!r2 'honey--:at a   
lot6 ,i c smell x1 c't y8' ,&1 ',my "m6 
:at a lot ( sweet rice4 ,:o gave t8 ,oh1
 ,i see1 old ,u ,hman4' ',i wond] :at's 
9 t t9 box8' rem>k$ "o z he pass$ my    
biscuits4 ',i hope x's com+ to our      
mona/]y1 any way4'  ,?us ! monks pass$1 
pay+ no sort ( att5tion1 :ile ! p knelt 
to !m2 & :5 ! procession rea*$ ! end ( !
 l9e ( (f]+s1 x w5t on )\t /opp+1 across

 ! fields1 ! monks ( ea* mona/]y go+ to 
_! own place2 & ! giv]s ( pres5ts rose  
up & foll[$ !m1 ea* c>ry+ 8 or h] gifts4
 ,& s !y w5t across ! fields till ea*   
little procession 0 lo/ to sight4  ,t 0 
all ! c]emony = ! day1 b at dusk !      
illum9ations began4 ,! little pagoda 9 !
 fields 0 light$ up ne>ly to its top )  
conc5tric r+s ( lamps till x blaz$ l a  
pyramid ( flame1 se5 f> across ! night4 
,all ! p came !re1 & plac$ little (f]+s 
( fl[]s at ! foot ( ! pagoda1 or add$   
ea* 8 c&le to ! big illum9ation4  ,!    
h\se ( ! headman ( ! village 0 lit up ) 
a few r[s ( lamps1 & all ! mona/]ies1   
too1 7 lit4 ,!re 7 no                   
re/aurants--ev]yone 0 at home1 y see--b 
!re 7 "o or two little /alls1 at :i* y  
c\ld buy a *]oot1 or ev5 p]haps a cup ( 
v]micelli2 & !re 0 a dance4 ,x 0 only ! 
village girls :o _h be5 taught1 p>tly by
 _! own mo!rs1 p>tly by an old man1 :o  
knew some?+ ( ! bus9ess4 ,!y did n dance
 v well1 p]haps2 !y 7 none ( !m v       
beautiful2 b :at matt]8 ,we knew !m all2

 !y 7 our neighb\rs1 ! k9swom5 ( half ! 
village2 ev]yone lik$ to see !m dance1  
to he> !m s+2 !y 7 all "y1 & are n all  
"y girls pretty8 ,& among/ ! audi5ce 7  
!re n ! girls' relations1 _! si/]s1 _!  
lov]s8 w\ld n t alone make ! girls dance
 well1 make ! audi5ce en?usia/ic8 ,& s1 
:at ) ! illum9ations1 & ! *at & laught] 
( fri5ds1 & ! dance1 we kept x up till v
 late2 & we all w5t to b$ happy & well  
pleas$ ) ea* o!r1 well pleas$ )         
ourselves4 ,c y imag9e a m successful   
end ?an t8  ,to write ab\t ^! fe/ivals  
is s pleasant1 x br+s back s _m         
delightful memories1 t ,i c\ld g on     
writ+ = long & long4 ,b !re is no use 9 
do+ s1 z !y are all v mu* alike1 )      
little local diff]5ces dep5d+ on !      
ent]prise ( ! inhabitants & ! situation 
( ! place4 ,!re might be boat-races1    
p]haps1 on a fe/ival day1 or pony-races1
 or box+4 ,i h se5 all ^!1 if n at !    
fe/ival at ! end ( ,l5t1 at o!r         
fe/ivals4 ,i rememb] once ,i 0 go+ up ! 
riv] on a fe/ival night by ! full moon1 

& we saw po9t aft] po9t cr[n$ ) lights  
^u ! pagodas2 & z we came ne> ! great   
city we saw a new glory2 = !re 0 a boat 
an*or$ 9 mid-/ream1 & f ?is boat !re    
dropp$ a /ream ( fire2 myriads ( little 
lamps burn$ on t9y rafts t drift$ d[n ! 
riv] 9 a gold5 b&4 ,!re 7 e n[ & !n     
bigg] rafts1 ) figures made 9           
light--boats & pagodas & mona/]ies4 ,!  
lights heav$ ) ! long swell ( ! great   
riv]1 & b5t to & fro l a great snake    
foll[+ ! tides1 until at l5g? !y di$ f> 
away into ! night4  ,i d n "k :at is !  
mean+ ( all ^! lights2 ,i d n "k t !y h 
any inn] mean+1 only t ! p are v glad1  
only t !y greatly hon\r ! great tea*] :o
 di$ s long ago1 only t !y are v fond ( 
light & col\r & laught] & all beautiful 
?+s4  ,b al?\gh ^! fe/ivals (t5 become  
also fairs1 al?\gh !y are ! great c5tres
 = amusem5t1 al?\gh ! p look to !m z _! 
great pleasure ( ! ye>1 x mu/ n be      
=gott5 t !y are ess5tially religi\s     
fea/s1 holy days4 ,?\gh !re be no great 
c]emony ( pray]1 or ( ?anksgiv+1 no     

public jo9+ 9 any religi\s c]emony1     
save1 p]haps1 ! giv+ ( alms to ! monks1 
yet religion is ! he>t & s\l ( !m4 ,_!  
c5tre is ! pagoda1 _! mean+ is a        
religi\s mean+4  ,:at if ! p make m]ry1 
too1 if !y make _! holy days into       
holidays1 is t any h>m8 ,= _! pleasures 
are v simple1 v innoc5t2 !re is no?+ t !
 moon1 ev5 ! cold & di/ant moon1 w\ld   
blu% to look ^u4 ,! p make m]ry because 
!y are m]ry1 because _! religion is to  
!m a v beautiful ?+1 n to be %unn$ or   
fe>$1 b to be exalt$ to ! eye ( day1 to 
be rejoic$ 94     ,,*apt] ,,xiv         
,,wom5--,i       ',h] *eek is m         
beautiful ?an ! dawn1 h] eyes are deep] 
?an ! riv] pools2 :5 %e loos5s h] hair  
^u h] %\ld]s1      x is z night com+ ov]
 ! hills4'--,burmese ,love-,song4   ,if 
y 7 to ask a ,burman ',:at is ! position
 ( wom5 9 ,burma8' he w\ld reply t he   
did n "k :at y meant4 ,wom5 h no        
position1 no fix$ relation t[>ds m5     
beyond t fix$ by ! fact t wom5 are wom5 
& m5 are m54 ,!y diff] a great deal 9 _m

 ways1 s a ,burman w\ld say2 m5 are     
bett] 9 "s ?+s1 wom5 are bett] 9 o!rs2  
if !y h a position1 _! relative         
sup]iority 9 c]ta9 ?+s det]m9es x4 ,h[  
else %\ld x be det]m9$8  ,if y say by   
religion1 he laughs1 & asks :at religion
 has to d ) su* ?+s8 ,religion is a     
culture ( ! s\l2 x is n conc]n$ ) !     
relation%ip ( m5 & wom54 ,if y say by   
law1 he says t law has no m to d ) x ?an
 religion4 ,9 ! eye ( ! law bo? are     
alike4 ',y w\ldn't h "o law = a man &   
ano!r = a woman8' he asks4  ,9 ! life ( 
! ,buddha no?+ is said ^u ! subject4 ,! 
great tea*] nev] committ$ himself to an 
op9ion z to :e!r m5 or wom5 7 ! highe/4 
,he _h m5 disciples1 he _h wom5         
disciples2 he hon\r$ bo?4 ,n[h]e 9 any (
 8 say+s c any?+ be f\nd to %[ t he made
 any diff]5ce betwe5 !m4 ,t monks %\ld  
be c>eful & avoid int]c\rse ) wom5 is   
m]ely ! c\nt]p>t ( ! ord] t nuns %\ld be
 c>eful 9 _! int]c\rse ) m54 ,t man's   
greate/ attraction is woman does n inf] 
wick$ness 9 woman2 t woman's greate/    

attraction is man does n %[ t man is a  
devil4 ,wick$ness is a ?+ ( y\r own     
he>t4 ,if he c\ld be sure t 8 desire    
t[>ds wom5 0 dead1 a monk might see !m z
 mu* z he lik$4 ,! desire is ! enemy1 n 
! woman2 !re=e a woman is n damn$       
because by h] man is (t5 tempt$ to evil2
 !re=e a woman is n prais$ because by h]
 a man may be l$ to bett] ?\ghts4 ,%e is
 b ! out] & unconsci\s influ5ce4  ,if1 =
 in/ance1 y _c see a precipice )\t wi%+ 
to ?r[ y\rself d[n1 y blame n !         
precipice1 b y\r gidd9ess2 & if y are   
wise y avoid precipices 9 future4 ,y d n
 rail aga9/ /eep places because y h a   
bad circulation4 ,s x is ) wom53 y %\ld 
n contemn wom5 because !y r\se a devil 9
 man4  ,& x is ! same ) man4 ,m5 & wom5 
are alike subject to ! et]nal laws4 ,&  
!y are alike subject to ! laws ( man2 9 
no mat]ial po9ts1 h>dly ev5 9 m9or      
po9ts1 does ! law discrim9ate aga9/     
wom54  ,! law z reg>ds m>riage &        
inh]itance & divorce w come ea* 9 its   
own place4 ,x is curi\sly ! same bo? = !

 man & ! woman4  ,! crim9al law 0 ! same
 = bo?2 ,i h tri$ to f9d any diff]5ce1 &
 ?is is all ,i h f\nd3 ,a woman's life 0
 less valuable ?an a man's4 ,! price ( !
 body1 z x is call$1 ( a woman 0 less   
?an t ( a man4 ,if a woman 7 accid5tally
 kill$1 less comp5sation _h to be paid  
?an = a man4 ,i ask$ a ,burman ab\t ?is 
once4  ',:y is ?is diff]5ce8' ,i said4  
',:y does ! law discrim9ate8'  ',x isn't
 ! law1' he said1 'x is a fact4 ,a woman
 is wor? less ?an a man 9 t way4 ,a     
maids]vant c be hir$ = less ?an a       
mans]vant1 a daught] c claim less ?an a 
son4 ,!y _c d s mu* "w2 !y are n s      
/rong4 ,if !y _h be5 wor? m1 ! law w\ld 
h be5 ! o!r way2 ( c\rse !y are wor?    
less4'  ,& s ?is sole discrim9ation is a
 fact1 n dogma4 ,x is a fact1 no d\bt1  
ev]y:]e4 ,no "o w\ld d5y x4 ,! pecuni>y 
value ( a woman is less ?an t ( a man4  
,z to ! s\l's value1 t is n a "q ( law1 
:i* conf9es itself to mat]ial affairs4  
,b ,i suppose all laws h be5 fram$ out (
 ! necessities ( mank9d4 ,x 0 !         

incessant fight+ dur+ ! times :5 our    
laws grew sl[ly into %ape1 ! necessity (
 n all[+ ! possession ( l&1 & ! arm$    
weal? t l& gave1 to fall into ! weak]   
h&s ( wom51 t l$ to our laws (          
inh]itance4  ,laws !n 7 gov]n$ by !     
necessity ( w>1 ( subject+ ev]y?+ else  
to ! ability to fight4 ,consequ5tly1 z  
wom5 7 n su* good fight]s z m51 !y w5t  
to ! wall4 ,b feudalism nev] obta9$ at  
all 9 ,burma4 ,:at fight+ !y did 0 f>   
less sev]e ?an t ( our ance/ors1 0 n !  
dom9ant factor 9 ! position1 &          
consequ5tly woman did n suff]4  ,%e has 
?us be5 giv5 ! ine/imable boon ( fre$om4
 ,fre$om f sac]dotal dogma1 f secul>    
law1 %e has always _h4  ,& s1 9 ord] to 
pres]ve ! life ( ! p1 x has nev] be5    
necess>y to pass laws treat+ woman      
unfairly z reg>ds inh]itance2 & z       
religion has left h] free to f9d h] own 
position1 s has ! law ( ! l&4  ,& yet ! 
,burman man has a confirm$ op9ion t he  
is bett] ?an a woman1 t m5 are on ! :ole
 sup]ior z a sex to wom54 ',we may be   

inf]ior 9 "s ways1' he w tell y4 ',a    
woman may /eal a m>* on u "h & !re1 b 9 
! long-run ! man w always w94 ,wom5 h no
 pati5ce4'  ,i h he>d ?is said ov] & ov]
 aga91 ev5 by wom51 t !y h less pati5ce 
?an a man4 ,we h (t5 suppos$ diff]5tly4 
,"s ,burmans h ev5 suppos$ t a woman mu/
 be re9c>nat$ z a man to ga9 a /ep 9    
hol9ess4 ,i d n mean t !y ?9k m5 are    
always bett] ?an wom51 b t ! be/ m5 are 
f> bett] ?an ! be/ wom51 & !re are _m m 
( !m4 ,h[ev] all ?is may be1 x is only  
an op9ion4 ,nei!r 9 _! law1 nor 9 _!    
religion1 nor--:at is f> m important--9 
_! daily life1 d !y ackn[l$ge any       
inf]iority 9 wom5 beyond ^? pat5t       
weaknesses ( body t are1 p]haps1 m      
diff]5ces ?an inf]iorities4  ,& s %e has
 always _h fair-play1 f religion1 f law1
 & f h] fell[ man & woman4  ,%e has be5 
b\nd by no ties1 %e has _h p]fect fre$om
 to make = h]self j su* a life z %e ?9ks
 be/ fitt$ = h]4 ,%e has _h no froz5    
ideals ( a long dead pa/ held up to h] z
 et]nal copies4 ,%e has be5 all[$ to    

*ange z h] _w *ang$1 & %e has liv$ 9 a v
 real _w--a _w ( /]n facts1 n fancies4  
,y see1 %e has _h to fight h] own way2 =
 ! same laws t made woman l[] ?an man 9 
,europe comp5sat$ h] to a c]ta9 ext5t by
 protection & guidance4 ,9 ,burma %e has
 be5 nei!r conf9$ nor guid$4 ,9 ,europe 
& ,india = v long ! idea 0 to make woman
 a hot-h\se plant1 to see t no r\gh w9ds
 /ruck h]1 t no injuries ov]took h]4 ,9 
,burma %e has _h to look out = h]self3  
%e has _h fre$om to come to grief z well
 z to come to /r5g?4 ,y see1 all su*    
laws cut bo? ways4 ,fre$om to d ill mu/ 
accompany fre$om to d well4 ,y _c h "o  
)\t ! o!r4 ,! ,burmese woman has _h bo?4
 ,ideals act = good z well z = evil2 if 
!y cramp all progress1 !y nev]!less t5d 
to ! su/5tation ( a c]ta9 level ( ?\ght4
 ,%e has _h none4 ,:atev] %e is1 %e has 
made h]self1 f9d+ "u ! v>y+ circum/ances
 ( life :at is ! be/ = h]2 & z h]       
surr\nd+s *ange1 s w %e4 ,:at %e 0 a    
?\s& ye>s ago ,i d n c>e1 :at %e may be 
a ?\s& ye>s h5ce ,i d n "k2 x is ( :at  

%e is to-day t ,i h tri$ to "k & write4 
,*ildr5 9 ,burma h1 ,i ?9k1 a v good "t 
:5 !y are "y4 ,p>5tage 9 ,burma has nev]
 deg5]at$ into a sort ( slav]y4 ,x has  
nev] be5 suppos$ t gaiety & goodness are
 oppos$4 ,& s !y gr[ up little m]ry nak$
 ?+s1 sprawl+ 9 ! du/ ( ! g>d5s1 sleep+ 
9 ! sun ) _! arms r\nd ! village dogs1 v
 s$ate1 v humor\s1 v r>ely cry+4 ,boys &
 girls :5 !y are babies gr[ up toge!r1 b
 ) ! s*ooldays comes a division4 ,all ! 
boys g to s*ool at ! mona/]y )\t !      
walls1 & !re le>n 9 noisy fa%ion _!     
ari?metic1 lett]s1 & o!r useful k4 ,b   
little girls h n[h]e to g4 ,!y _c g to !
 mona/]ies1 ^! are = boys alone1 & !    
nunn]ies are v sc>ce4 ,= tw5ty mona/]ies
 !re is n "o nunn]y4 ,wom5 d n seem to  
c>e to le>n to become nuns z m5 d to    
become monks4 ,:y ?is is s ,i _c tell1 b
 !re is no d\bt ( ! fact4 ,& s !re are  
no s*ools = girls z !re are = boys1 &   
consequ5tly ! girls are n well educat$ z
 a rule4 ,9 great t[ns !re are1 ( c\rse1
 regul> s*ools = girls1 g5]ally = girls 

& boys toge!r2 b 9 ! villages ^! v      
seldom exi/4 ,! girls may le>n f _!     
mo!rs h[ to read & write1 b mo/ ( !m _c 
d s4 ,x is an exception 9 c\ntry places 
to f9d a girl :o c read1 z x is to f9d a
 boy :o _c4 ,if !re 7 m nunn]ies1 !re   
w\ld be m education among ! wom52 "h is 
cause & effect4 ,b !re are n1 s ! little
 girls "w in/ead4 ,:ile _! bro!rs are 9 
! mona/]ies1 ! girls are le>n+ to weave 
& h]d cattle1 draw+ wat]1 & collect+    
firewood4 ,!y beg9 v "y at ?is "w1 b x  
is v light2 !y are nev] ov]work$1 & s x 
does !m no h>m usually1 b good4  ,!     
daught]s ( bett]-class p1 su* z m]*ants1
 & cl]ks1 & advocates1 d n1 ( c\rse1 "w 
at field lab\r4 ,!y usually le>n to read
 & write at home1 & !y weave1 & _m w    
draw wat]4 ,= to draw wat] is to g to ! 
well1 & ! well is ! great meet+-place ( 
! village4 ,z !y fill _! j>s !y lean ov]
 ! curb & talk1 & x is "h t is told !   
late/ news1 ! late/ flirtation1 ! little
 sc&al ( ! place4 ,v few m5 or boys come
 = wat]2 c>ry+ is n _! duty1 & !re is a 

prop] place = flirtation4 ,s ! girls h !
 well almo/ to !mselves4  ,almo/ e girl 
c weave4 ,9 _m h\ses !re are looms :]e !
 girls weave _! dresses & ^? ( _! p>5ts2
 & _m girls h /alls 9 ! baza>4 ,( ?is ,i
 w speak lat]4 ,o!r duties are ! husk+ (
 rice & ! mak+ ( *]oots4 ,( c\rse1 9    
ri*] h\seholds !re w be s]vants to d all
 ?is2 b ev5 9 !m ! daught] w frequ5tly  
weave ei!r = h]self or h] p>5ts4 ,almo/ 
e girl w d some?+1 if only to pass ! "t4
  ,y see1 !y h no accompli%m5ts4 ,!y d n
 s+1 nor play1 nor pa9t4 ,x mu/ nev] be 
=gott5 t _! civilization is relatively a
 ?\s& ye>s beh9d ours4 ,accompli%m5ts   
are "p ( ! poli% t a civilization gives1
 & ?is !y h n yet rea*$4 ,accompli%m5ts 
are also ! means to fill up "t o!rwise  
unoccupi$2 b v few ,burmese girls h any 
"t on _! h&s4 ,!re is no leisur$ class1 
& !re are v few girls :o h n to help1 9 
"o way or ano!r1 at ! upkeep ( !        
h\sehold4  ,mr4 ,rudy>d ,kipl+ tells (  
an a/oni%+ "y lady :o play$ ! banjo4 ,he
 has be5 m =tunate ?an myself1 = ,i h   

nev] _h su* good luck4 ,!y h no         
accompli%m5ts at all4 ,h\sekeep+ !y h n 
v mu* (4 ,y see1 h\ses are small1 &     
h\seholds also are small2 !re is v      
little furniture2 & z ! cook+ is all !  
same1 !re is n mu* to le>n 9 t way4 ,i  
fe>1 too1 t _! h\ses c\ld n compete z   
models ( neatness ) any o!r nation4     
,tid9ess is "o ( ! la/ gifts (          
civilization4 ,we n[ pride ourselves on 
our ord]2 we =get h[ v rec5t an         
accompli%m5t x is4 ,to !m x w come ) !  
o!r gifts ( age1 = x mu/ nev] be =gott5 
t !y are a v "y p--only *ildr51 big     
*ildr5--le>n+ v sl[ly ! lessons (       
exp]i5ce & k4  ,:5 !y are betwe5 eight &
 f\rte5 ye>s ( age ! boys become monks =
 a "t1 z e boy mu/1 & !y h a great      
fe/ival at _! entrance into ! mona/]y4  
,girls d n ent] nunn]ies1 b !y1 too1 h a
 great fea/ 9 _! hon\r4 ,!y h _! e>s    
bor$4 ,x is a fe/ival = a girl ( great  
importance1 ?is e>-bor+1 &1 accord+ to !
 weal? ( ! p>5ts1 x is accompani$ by pws
 & o!r rejoic+s4  ,a little girl1 !     

daught] ( a %opkeep] "h 9 ?is t[n1 _h h]
 e>s bor$ ! o!r day1 & !re 7 great      
rejoic+s4 ,!re 0 a pw op5 to all = ?ree 
nights1 & !re 7 great quantities ( food1
 & sweets1 & _m pres5ts giv5 away1 & on 
! la/ night ! riv] 0 illum9at$4 ,!re 0 a
 boat an*or$ 9 mid-/ream1 & f ?is 7     
laun*$ myriads ( t9y rafts1 ea* ) a     
little lamp on bo>d4 ,! lamps gleam$    
bright ) gold5 light z !y drift$ on !   
bosom ( ! great wat]1 a mov+ l9e ( liv+ 
fire4 ,!re 7 little boats1 too1 ) !     
outl9es m>k$ ) lamps1 & !re 7 pagodas & 
m9iature h\ses all float+1 float+ d[n ! 
riv]1 till1 9 f> di/ance by !           
promontory1 ! lamps flick]$ out "o by   
"o1 & ! riv] fell asleep aga94  ',!re is
 only "o great fe/ival 9 a girl's life1'
 a woman told me4 ',we try to make x z  
good z we c4 ,boys h _m fe/ivals1 girls 
h b "o4 ,x is only j t x %\ld be good4' 
,& s !y gr[ up v quiet1 v s$ate1 look+  
on ! _w ab\t !m ) v cle> eyes4 ,x is    
/range1 talk+ to ,burmese girls1 to see 
h[ mu* !y "k & und]/& ( ! _w ab\t !m4 ,x

 is to !m no great my/]y1 full (        
unimag9able good & evil1 b a _w t !y are
 le>n+ to und]/&1 & :]e good & evil are 
nev] unmix$4 ,m5 are to !m nei!r angels 
nor devils1 b j m51 & s ! _w does n hold
 = !m ! disappo9tm5ts1 ! disillusion+s1 
t await ^? :o d n "k4 ,!y h _!          
dreams--:o %all d\bt x8--dreams ( him :o
 %all love !m1 :om !y %all love1 :o %all
 make life "o great glory to !m2 b _!   
dreams are dreams t c come true4 ,!y d n
 frame to !mselves ideals out ( _! own  
ignorance & imag9e ^! to be good1 b !y  
keep _! eyes wide op5 to ! f> m         
beautiful realities t are ar\nd !m e    
day4 ,!y "k t a liv+ lov] is great]1 &  
tru]1 & bett] ?an any ideal ( a girl's  
dream4 ,!y live 9 a real _w1 & !y "k t x
 is good4  ,9 "t ! lov] comes4 ,!re is a
 delightful cu/om all ?r\gh ,burma1 an  
in/itution1 9 fact1 call$ 'c\rt+-"t4' ,x
 is f n9e till t5 o'clock1 m especially 
on moonlight nights1 ^? wond]ful tropic 
nights1 :5 ! :ole _w lies 9 a silv]     
dream1 :5 ! little w&]+ airs t t\* y\r  

*eek l a c>ess are heavy ) ! sc5t (     
fl[]s1 & y\r he>t comes into y\r ?roat =
 ! v beauty ( life4  ,!re is 9 front ( e
 h\se a v]&a1 rais$ p]haps ?ree feet f !
 gr\nd1 & !re ! girl w sit 9 ! %ad[ ( ! 
eaves1 sometimes ) a fri5d1 b usually   
alone2 & h] suitors w come & /& by !    
v]&a1 & talk s(tly 9 little brok5       
s5t5ces1 z lov]s d4 ,!re maybe be _m "y 
m5 come1 "o by "o1 if !y mean bus9ess1 )
 a fri5d if x be m]ely a visit (        
c\rtesy4 ,& ! girl w receive !m all1 & w
 talk to !m all2 w laugh ) a little     
humor\s k ( ea* man's peculi>ities2 & %e
 may give !m *]oots1 ( h] own mak+2 &1 =
 "o p]haps1 = "o1 %e w light ! *]oot    
h]self fir/1 & ?us kiss him by proxy4   
,& is ! girl alone8 ,well1 yes4 ,to all 
int5ts & purposes %e is alone2 b !re is 
always someone ne>1 someone )9 call1 = !
 v]&a is free to all4 ,%e _c tell :o may
 come1 & "s m51 z we "k1 are b wolves 9 
%eep's clo?+4 ,usually m>riages are     
arrang$ by ! p>5ts4 ,girls are n v      
diff]5t "h to else:]e2 !y are v         

biddable1 & ready to d :at _! mo!rs tell
 !m1 ready to believe t x is ! be/4 ,& s
 if a lad comes woo+1 & c ga9 ! "m's e>1
 he c usually w9 ! girl's affection1    
too2 b ,i ?9k !re are m exceptions "h   
?an else:]e4 ,girls are fre]2 !y fall 9 
love ( _! own accord (t5] ?an else:]e2  
!y are v impulsive1 full ( passion4     
,love is a v s]i\s matt]1 & !y are n    
tra9$ 9 self-re/ra9t4  ,!re are v _m    
romances play$ out e day 9 ! dusk beside
 ! well1 9 ! deep %ad[s ( ! palm-groves1
 9 ! lum9\s nights by ! riv]            
%ore--romances t end sometimes well1    
sometimes 9 t]rible trag$ies4 ,= !y are 
a v passionate p2 ! language is full (  
little love-songs1 songs ( a man to a   
girl1 ( a girl to a man4 ',no girl1' a  
woman once told me1 'no good1 quiet girl
 w\ld tell a man %e lov$ him fir/4' ,x  
may be s2 if ?is be true1 ,i fe> !re are
 _m girls "h :o are n good & quiet4 ,h[ 
_m romances h ,i n se5 9 :i* ! woo+     
began ) ! girl1 ) a little note p]haps1 
) a fl[]1 ) a message s5t by someone :om

 %e c\ld tru/6 ,( c\rse _m ( ^! turn$   
out well4 ,p>5ts are good to _! *ildr51 
& if !y c1 !y w give _! daught] ! husb& 
( h] *oice4 ,!y rememb] :at y\? is--nay1
 !y !mselves nev] gr[ old1 ,i ?9k2 !y   
nev] =get :at once 0 to !m n[ is to _!  
*ildr54 ,s if x be possible all may yet 
g well4 ,social diff]5ces are n s great 
z ) u1 & ! b>ri] is easily ov]come4 ,i h
 (t5 kn[n s]vants 9 a h\se m>ry !       
daught]s1 & be tak5 into ! family2 b1 ( 
c\rse1 sometimes ?+s d n g s smoo?ly4 ,&
 !n8 ,well1 !n !re is usually an        
elopem5t1 & a t5 days' sc&al2 &         
sometimes1 too1 !re is an elopem5t = no 
reason at all save t hot y\? _c abide ! 
necess>y delay4  ,= life is %ort1 & ?\gh
 to-day be to u1 :o c tell = ! morr[8   
,dur+ ! full moon !re is no night1 only 
a *ange to silv] light f gold52 & ! =e/ 
is full ( delight4 ,!re are wood-cutt]s'
 huts 9 ! rav9es :]e ! wat] falls1 s(t  
b$s ( torn brack5 & fragrant grasses :]e
 great trees make a %elt] f ! heat2 & = 
food1 t is easily arrang$4 ,a basket (  

rice ) a little salt-fi% & spices is    
easily hidd5 9 a fav\rable place4 ,y    
only want a j> to cook x1 & !re is en\gh
 = two = a week2 or x is br\ght day by  
day by "s tru/$ fri5d to a place        
previ\sly agre$ ^u4  ,all up & d[n ! =e/
 !re are fl[]s = h] hair1 sc>let dak    
blossoms & or*id sprays & jasm9e />s2 & 
= occupation ?r\gh ! h\rs ea* has a new 
_w to explore full ( wond]ful undreamt-(
 discov]ies1 lit ) new light & my/]i\s )
 roseate %ad[s1 a _w ( 'beautiful ?+s   
made new' = ^? =e/ *ildr54 ,s t :5 !    
confidante1 an aunt maybe or a si/]1    
meets !m by ! sacr$ fig-tree on ! hill1 
& tells !m t all difficulties are       
remov$1 & _! fri5ds call$ toge!r = !    
m>riage1 c y wond] t x is n )\t regret t
 !y f>e =? f t en*ant$ l& to ord9>y life
 aga98  ,x is1 z ,i h said1 n always !  
man :o is ! propos] ( ! flight4 ,nay1 ,i
 ?9k inde$ t x is usually ! girl4 ',m5 h
 m pati5ce4'  ,i _h a ,burmese s]vant1 a
 boy1 :o may h be5 tw5ty1 & he _h be5 ) 
me a ye>1 & 0 beg9n+ to be really       

useful4 ,he _h at la/ grasp$ ! idea t   
electro-plate %\ld n be clean$ )        
monkey-br& soap1 & he c\ld be tru/$ n to
 put up rifle c>tridges = use ) a       
d\ble-b>rell$ gun2 & he *ose ?is "t to  
fall 9 love ) ! daught] ( ! headman ( a 
c]ta9 village :]e ,i 0 9 camp4  ,he _h  
good excuse1 = %e 0 a delici\s little   
maid5 ) great coils ( hair1 & ! voice ( 
a wood-pigeon coo+ 9 ! =e/1 & %e 0 v    
fond ( him1 )\t a d\bt4  ,s "o ev5+ he  
came to me & said t he mu/ leave me--t  
he want$ to get m>ri$1 & c\ld n possibly
 delay4 ,!n ,i spoke to him ) all t dep?
 ( wisdom we are s ready to display = ! 
b5efit ( o!rs4 ,i po9t$ out to him t he 
0 mu* too "y1 t %e 0 mu* too "y also--%e
 0 n eighte5--& t !re 0 absolutely no?+ 
= !m to m>ry on4 ,i fur!r po9t$ out h[  
ungrateful x w\ld be ( him to leave me2 
t he _h be5 paid regul>ly = a ye>1 & t x
 0 n "r t n[1 :5 he 0 at la/ able to d  
some?+ besides de/roy my prop]ty1 he    
%\ld g away4  ,! boy li/5$ to all ,i _h 
to say1 & agre$ ) x all1 & made ! mo/   

f]v5t & s9c]e promise to be wise2 & he  
w5t away aft] d9n] to see ! girl & tell 
h]1 & :5 ,i awoke 9 ! morn+ my o!r      
s]vants told me ! boy _h n return$4     
,%ortly aft]w>ds ! headman came to say t
 8 daught] _h also disappe>$4 ,!y _h    
fl$1 ^? two1 into ! =e/1 & = a week we  
he>d no?+4 ,at la/ "o ev5+1 z ,i sat "u 
! great fig-tree by my t5t1 !re came to 
me ! "m ( ! girl1 & %e sat d[n be=e me1 
& said %e _h some?+ ( great importance  
to imp>t3 & ?is 0 t all _h be5 arrang$  
betwe5 ! families1 :o _h f\nd "w = ! boy
 :]eby he might ma9ta9 himself & 8 wife1
 & ! m>riage 0 arrang$4 ,b ! boy w\ld n 
return z long z ,i 0 9 camp !re1 = he 0 
bitt]ly a%am$ ( 8 brok5 v[s & afraid to 
meet my ang]4 ,& s ! "m begg$ me to g   
away z soon z ,i c\ld1 t ! "y c\ple     
might return4 ,i expla9$ t ,i 0 n angry 
at all1 t ! boy c\ld return )\t any fe>2
 on ! contr>y1 t ,i %\ld be pleas$ to   
see him & 8 wife4 ,&1 at ! old lady's   
reque/1 ,i wrote a ,burmese lett] to t  
effect1 & %e w5t away delight$4  ,!y mu/

 h be5 9 hid+ close by1 = x 0 e>ly next 
morn+ t ! boy came into my t5t alone & v
 mu* aba%$1 & x 0 "s little "t be=e he  
c\ld recov] himself & talk freely z he  
w\ld be=e1 = he 0 greatly a%am$ (       
himself4  ,b1 aft] all1 c\ld he help x8 
,if y c imag9e ! tropic night1 & ! boy1 
full ( high resolve1 pass+ up ! village 
/reet1 n[ half asleep1 & ! girl1 ) %9+  
eyes1 com+ to him out ( ! hibiscus      
%ad[s1 & :isp]+ 9 8 e> words--words t ,i
 ne$ n say--if y imag9e all t1 y w      
und]/& h[ x 0 t ,i lo/ my s]vant4  ,!y  
bo? came to see me lat] on 9 ! day aft] 
! m>riage1 & !re 0 no ba%fulness ab\t   
ei!r ( !m !n4 ,!y came h&-9-h&1 ) !     
girl's fa!r & "m & "s fri5ds1 & %e told 
me x 0 all h] fault3 %e c\ld n wait4    
',p]haps1' %e said1 ) a little laugh & a
 side-glance at h] husb&--'p]haps1 if he
 _h gone ) ! ?ak9 to ,rangoon1 he might 
h fall5 9 love ) someone !re & =gott5   
me2 = ,i "k !y are v pretty1 ^? ,rangoon
 ladies1 & ( bett] mann]s ?an ,i1 :o am 
b a jungle girl4'  ,& :5 ,i ask$ h] :at 

x 0 l 9 ! =e/1 %e said x 0 ! mo/        
beautiful place 9 all ! _w4  ,?+s d n   
always g s well4 ,p>5ts may be obdurate1
 & flight be impossible2 or ev5 h] love 
may n be return$1 & !n t]rible ?+s      
happ54 ,i h held1 n once nor twice      
alone1 inque/s ov] ! bodies1 ! fair1    
innoc5t bodies1 ( q "y girls :o di$ =   
love4 ,only t1 because _! love 0        
unreturn$2 & s ! sore little he>t turn$ 
9 h] tr\ble to ! great riv]1 & gave     
h]self & h] hot despair to ! cold       
=getfulness ( its wat]s4  ,!y love s    
greatly t !y _c face a _w :]e love is n4
 ,all ! c\ntry is full ( ! romance (    
love--( love passionate & great z woman 
has ev] felt4 ,x seems to me "h t woman 
has some?+ ( ! passions ( man1 n only ! 
endur+ affection ( a woman1 b ! hot love
 & d>+ ( a man4 ,x is "p ( _! h]itage1  
p]haps1 z a p 9 _! y\?4 ,"o sees s mu* (
 x1 he>s s mu* ( x1 "h4 ,i h se5 a girl 
9 man's attire kill$ 9 a surprise attack
 ^u an insurg5t camp4 ,%e _h foll[$ h]  
outlaw$ lov] !re1 & 9 ! mle %e caught up

 sword & gun to fight by 8 side1 & 0 cut
 d[n ?r\gh neck & %\ld]2 = no "o c\ld   
tell 9 ! e>ly dawn t x 0 a girl4  ,%e   
di$ ab\t an h\r aft]w>ds1 & ?\gh ,i h   
se5 _m sorr[ful ?+s 9 _m l&s1 9 w> & out
 ( x1 ! memory ( t dy+ girl1 held up by 
"o ( ! m\nt$ police1 sobb+ out h] life  
b5ea? ! wild =e/ %ad[1 ) no "o ( h] sex1
 no "o ( h] k9 to help h]1 comes back to
 me z "o ( ! sadde/ & /range/4  ,h] lov]
 0 kill$ 9 action "s "t lat] fight+     
aga9/ u1 & he di$ z a brave man %\ld1 8 
face to 8 enemy4 ,he play$ 8 game1 he   
lo/1 & paid2 b ! girl8  ,i h se5 & he>d 
s mu* ( ?is love ( wom5 & ( its         
trag$ies4 ,p]haps x is t to u x is      
usually ! trag$ies t are be/ rememb]$4  
,happ9ess is void ( int]e/4 ,& ?is love 
may be1 aft] all1 a good ?+4 ,b ,i d n  
"k4 ,sometimes ,i ?9k !y w\ld be happi] 
if !y c\ld love less1 if !y c\ld take   
love m quietly1 m z a matt] ( c\rse1 z  
some?+ t has to be gone ?r\gh1 z "p ( a 
life's tra9+2 n z a ?+ t swall[s up all 
life & dea? & et]nity 9 "o passion4  ,9 

,burmese ! love-songs are 9 a %ort1     
sweet rhy?m1 full ( qua9t conceits &    
^w-music4 ,i _c put !m into ,engli%     
v]se1 or give ! fl[ ( ! orig9als 9 a    
translation4 ,x always seems to me t    
,don ,quixote 0 "r :5 he said t a       
translation 0 l ! wrong side ( an       
embroid]$ clo?1 giv+ ! design )\t !     
beauty4 ,b ev5 9 ! pla91 r\gh outl9e ( a
 translation !re is beauty "h1 ,i ?9k3  
,f a ,man to a ,girl4  ,! moon woo$ !   
lotus 9 ! night1 ! lotus 0 woo$ by !    
moon1 & my swee!>t is _! *ild4 ,!       
blossom op5$ 9 ! night1 & %e came =?2 ! 
petals mov$1 & %e 0 born4  ,%e is m     
beautiful ?an any blossom2 h] face is z 
delicate z ! dusk2 h] hair is z night   
fall+ ov] ! hills2 h] sk9 is z bright z 
! diamond4 ,%e is v full ( heal?1 no    
sickness c come ne> h]4  ,:5 ! w9d bl[s 
,i am afraid1 :5 ! breezes move ,i fe>4 
,i fe> le/ ! s\? w9d take h]1 ,i tremble
 le/ ! brea? ( ev5+ woo h] f me--s light
 is %e1 s graceful4  ,h] dress is (     
gold1 ev5 ( silk & gold1 & h] bracelets 

are ( f9e gold4 ,%e ha? preci\s /ones 9 
h] e>s1 b h] eyes1 :at jewels c comp>e  
unto !m8  ,%e is pr\d1 my mi/ress2 %e is
 v pr\d1 & all m5 are afraid ( h]4 ,%e  
is s beautiful & s pr\d t all m5 fe> h]4
  ,9 ! :ole _w !re is none any:]e t c   
comp>e unto h]4     ,,*apt] ,,xv        
,,wom5--,,ii       ',! husb& is "l ( !  
wife4'                                  
,laws ( ,manu4   ,m>riage is n a        
religi\s c]emony among ! ,burmese4      
,religion has no "p 9 x at all2 z       
religion has refra9$ f int]f]+ )        
,gov]nm5t1 s does x 9 ! relations ( man 
& wife4 ,m>riage is purely a worldly    
bus9ess1 l ent]+ into p>tn]%ip2 &       
religion1 ! ,buddhi/ religion1 has no?+ 
to d ) su* ?+s4 ,^? :o accept ! tea*+s (
 ! great tea*] 9 all _! fulness d n     
m>ry4  ,inde$1 m>riage is n a c]emony at
 all4 ,x is /range to f9d t ! ,burmese h
 actually no necess>y c]emonial4 ,!     
,laws ( ,manu1 :i* are ! laws gov]n+ all
 su* matt]s1 make no m5tion ( any       
m>riage c]emony2 x is1 9 fact1 a /atus4 

,j z two m5 may g into p>tn]%ip 9       
bus9ess )\t execut+ any de$1 s a man & a
 woman may ent] into ! m>riage /ate )\t 
und]go+ any =m4 ,among/ ! ri*] ,burmese 
!re is1 h[ev]1 sometimes a c]emony4     
,fri5ds are call$ to ! w$d+1 & a ribbon 
is /ret*$ r\nd ! c\ple1 & !n _! h&s are 
clasp$2 !y also eat out ( ! same di%4   
,all ?is is v pretty1 b n at all        
necess>y4  ,x is1 inde$1 n a settl$ po9t
 9 law :at con/itutes a m>riage1 b !re  
are c]ta9 ?+s t w r5d] x void4 ,=       
in/ance1 no m>riage c be a m>riage )\t !
 cons5t ( ! girl's p>5ts if %e be "u    
age1 & !re are c]ta9 o!r conditions :i* 
mu/ be fulfill$4  ,b al?\gh !re be ?is  
d\bt ab\t ! actual c]emony ( m>riage1   
!re is none at all ab\t ! /atus4 ,!re is
 no confusion betwe5 a woman :o is m>ri$
 & a woman :o is n4 ,! condition (      
m>riage is well kn[n1 & x br+s ! p>ties 
"u ! laws t p]ta9 to husb& & wife4 ,a   
woman n m>ri$ does n1 ( c\rse1 obta9 ^! 
privileges2 !re is a v /rict l9e betwe5 
! two4  ,among/ ! poor] p a m>riage is  

frequ5tly kept secret = sev]al days4 ,! 
great pomp & c]emony :i* ) u1 &         
occasionally ) a few ri* ,burmese1      
consecrate a man & a woman to ea* o!r = 
life1 are abs5t at ! great] numb] (     
,burmese m>riages2 & ! reason !y tell me
 is t ! girl is %y4 ,%e does n l to be  
/>$ at1 & wond]$ at1 z a maid5 ab\t to  
be a wife2 x tr\bles h] t ! affairs ( h]
 he>t1 h] love1 h] m>riage1 %\ld be s   
public4 ,! "y m5 come at night & ?r[    
/ones ^u ! h\se ro(1 & dem& pres5ts f ! 
bridegroom4 ,he does n m9d giv+ !       
pres5ts2 b he1 too1 does n l !          
publicity4 ,& s m>riage1 :i* is ) mo/ p 
a c]emony p]=m$ 9 full daylight ) all   
accessories ( display1 is ) ! ,burmese  
g5]ally a secret4 ,two or ?ree fri5ds1  
p]haps1 w be call$ quietly to ! h\se1 & 
! man & woman w eat toge!r1 & ?us become
 husb& & wife4 ,!n !y w sep>ate aga91 & 
n = sev]al days1 or ev5 weeks p]haps1 w 
x be kn[n t !y are m>ri$2 = x is seldom 
t !y c set up h\se = !mselves j at once4
 ,(t5 !y w m>ry & live ap>t = a "t ) _! 

p>5ts4 ,sometimes !y w g & live toge!r )
 ! man's p>5ts1 b m usually ) ! girl's  
"m4 ,!n aft] a "t1 :5 !y h by _!        
ex]tions made a little money1 !y build a
 h\se & g to live !re2 b sometimes !y w 
live on ) ! girl's p>5ts = ye>s4  ,a    
girl does n *ange h] "n :5 %e m>ries1   
nor does %e we> any sign ( m>riage1 su* 
z a r+4 ,h] "n is always ! same1 & !re  
is no?+ to a /rang] to d5ote :e!r %e be 
m>ri$ or n1 or ^: wife %e is2 & %e keeps
 h] prop]ty z h] own4 ,m>riage does n   
conf] ^u ! husb& any p[] ov] 8 wife's   
prop]ty1 ei!r :at %e br+s ) h]1 :at %e  
e>ns1 or :at %e inh]its subsequ5tly2 x  
all rema9s h] own1 z does 8 rema9 8 own4
 ,b usually prop]ty acquir$ aft] m>riage
 is held jo9tly4 ,y w inquire1 =        
in/ance1 :o is ! own] ( ?is g>d51 & be  
told ,maung ,han1 ,ma ,%w1 ! =m] be+ !  
husb&'s "n & ! latt] ! wife's4 ,bo?     
names are us$ v frequ5tly 9 bus9ess & 9 
legal proce$+s1 & inde$ x is usual = bo?
 husb& & wife to sign all de$s !y may h 
occasion to execute4 ,no?+ m free ?an a 

woman's position 9 ! m>riage /ate c be  
imag9$4 ,by law %e is absolutely !      
mi/ress ( h] own prop]ty & h] own self2 
& if x usually happ5s t ! husb& is !    
head ( ! h\se1 t is because 8 nature    
gives him t position1 n any law4  ,) u  
m>riage means to a girl an utt] break+ (
 h] old ties1 ! beg9n+ ( a new life1 (  
new duties1 ( new responsibilities4 ,%e 
goes out into a new & unkn[n _w1 full ( 
/range facts1 leav+ "o dep5d5ce = ano!r1
 ! %elt] ( a fa!r = ! %elt] ( a husb&4  
,%e has ev5 lo/ h] own "n1 & becomes    
kn[n b z ! mi/ress ( h] husb&2 h] s\l is
 m]g$ 9 84 ,b 9 ,burma x is n s at all4 
,%e is /ill h]self1 /ill mi/ress (      
h]self1 an equal p>tn] = life4  ,i h    
said t ! ,burmese h no ideals1 & ?is is 
true2 b 9 ! ,laws ( ,manu !re are laid  
d[n "s ( ! requisite qualities = a      
p]fect wife4 ,!re are sev5 k9ds ( wife1 
say ! ,laws ( ,manu3 a wife l a ?ief1 l 
an enemy1 l a ma/]1 l a fri5d1 l a si/]1
 l a "m1 l a slave4 ,! la/ f\r ( ^! are 
good1 b ! la/ is ! be/1 & ^! are "s ( h]

 qualities3  ',%e %\ld fan & soo! h]    
ma/] to sleep1 & sit by him ne> ! b$ on 
:i* he lies4 ,%e w fe> & wat* le/ any?+ 
%\ld di/urb him4 ,e noise w be a t]ror  
to h]2 ! hum ( a mosquito z ! bla/ ( a  
trumpet2 ! fall ( a leaf )\t w s\nd z   
l\d z ?und]4 ,ev5 %e w gu>d h] brea? z x
 passes h] lips to & fro1 le/ %e awak5  
him :om %e fe>s4  ',& %e w rememb] t :5 
he awak5s he w h c]ta9 wants4 ,%e w be  
anxi\s t ! ba? be to 8 cu/om1 t 8 clo!s 
are z he wi%es1 t 8 food is ta/eful to  
him4 ,always %e w h be=e h] ! fe> ( 8   
ang]4'  ,x mu/ be rememb]$ t ! ,laws (  
,manu are ( ,indian orig91 & are n      
totally accept$ by ! ,burmese4 ,i fe> a 
,burmese girl w\ld laugh at ?is ideal ( 
a wife4 ,%e w\ld say t if a wife 7      
always afraid ( h] husb&'s wra?1 %e &   
he1 too1 mu/ be poor ?+s4 ,a h\sehold is
 rul$ by love & rev]5ce1 n by fe>4 ,a   
girl has no idea :5 %e m>ries t %e is   
go+ to be h] husb&'s slave1 b a free    
woman1 yield+ to him 9 ^? ?+s 9 :i* he  
has mo/ /r5g?1 & tak+ h] own way 9 ^?   

?+s t p]ta9 to a woman4 ,%e has a v ke5 
idea ( :at ?+s %e c d be/1 & :at ?+s %e 
%\ld leave to h] husb&4 ,long exp]i5ce  
has taught h] t !re are _m ?+s %e %\ld n
 int]f]e )2 & %e kn[s x is exp]i5ce t   
has prov$ x1 & n any comm&4 ,%e kn[s t !
 reason wom5 are n suppos$ to int]f]e 9 
public affairs is because _! m9ds &     
bodies are n fitt$ = !m4 ,!re=e %e      
accepts ?is1 9 ! same way z %e accepts  
physical inf]iority1 z a fact aga9/ :i* 
x is useless & silly to declaim1 kn[+ t 
x is n m5 :o keep h] out1 b h] own      
unfitness4 ,moreov]1 %e kn[s t x is made
 good to h] 9 o!r ways1 & ?us ! balance 
is r$ress$4 ,y see1 %e kn[s h] own /r5g?
 & h] own weakness4 ,c !re be a m       
valuable k = anyone ?an ?is8  ,9 _m ways
 %e w act = h] husb& ) vig\r & address1 
& %e is n afraid ( appe>+ 9 8 "n or h]  
own 9 law c\rts1 = in/ance1 or 9        
transact+ c]ta9 k9ds ( bus9ess4 ,%e kn[s
 t %e c d c]ta9 bus9ess z well z or     
bett] ?an h] husb&1 & %e does x4 ,!re is
 no?+ m rem>kable ?an ! way 9 :i* %e    

makes a division ( ^! matt]s 9 :i* %e c 
act = h]self1 & ^? 9 :i*1 if %e act at  
all1 x is = h] husb&4  ,?us1 z ,i h     
said1 %e w1 z reg>ds h] own prop]ty or  
h] own bus9ess1 act freely 9 h] own "n1 
& w also frequ5tly act = h] husb& too4  
,!y w bo? sign de$s1 borr[ money on jo9t
 security1 l5d money repayable to !m    
jo9tly4 ,b 9 public affairs %e w nev]   
all[ h] "n to appe> at all4 ,n t %e does
 n take a ke5 int]e/ 9 su* ?+s4 ,%e     
lives 9 no _w ap>t2 all t affects h]    
husb& int]e/s h] z ke5ly z x does him4  
,%e lives 9 a _w ( m5 & wom51 & h] k (  
public affairs1 & h] desire & p[]s (    
influ5c+ !m1 is great4 ,b %e le>nt long 
ago t h] be/ way is to act ?r\gh & by h]
 husb&1 & t 8 /r5g? & 8 "n are h]       
buckl]s 9 ! fight4 ,?us wom5 are nev]   
op5ly conc]n$ 9 any political matt]s4   
,h[ /rong _! feel+ is c bett] be        
illu/rat$ by a /ory ?an 9 any o!r way4  
,9 #ahhi ,i 0 /ation$ f> away on !      
nor?-we/ fronti] ( ,burma1 9 *>ge ( "s  
f\r ?\s& squ>e miles ( t]ritory :i* _h  

be5 newly incorporat$4 ,i w5t up !re ) !
 fir/ column t ev] p5etrat$ t c\ntry1 & 
,i rema9$ !re :51 aft] ! p>tial         
pacification ( ! di/rict1 ! ma9 body ( !
 troops 7 )drawn4 ,x 0 a fairly excit+  
place to live 94 ,to say no?+ ( ! fev]  
:i* swept d[n m5 9 bat*es1 & !          
trans-fronti] p :o 7 always peep+ ov] to
 wat* a good opportunity = a raid1 my   
own *>ge simply sw>m$ ) arm$ m51 :o     
seem$ to rise out ( ! v gr\nd--s h>d 0 x
 to foll[ _! movem5ts--attack any:]e !y 
saw fit1 & disappe> z sudd5ly4 ,!re 01 (
 c\rse1 a consid]able =ce ( troops &    
police to suppress ^! insurg5ts1 b !    
:ole c\ntry 0 s roadless1 s unexplor$1  
su* a tangl$ labyr9? ( hill & =e/1 dott$
 ) sp>se villages1 t x 0 (t5 q          
impossible to trace ! b&s :o committ$ ^!
 attacks2 & to ! sick & we>y pursu]s x  
sometimes seem$ z if we %\ld nev] re/ore
 peace to ! c\ntry4  ,! villages 7      
arrang$ 9 gr\ps1 & ov] ea* gr\p !re 0 a 
headman ) c]ta9 p[]s & c]ta9 duties1 !  
pr9cipal ( ! latt] be+ to keep 8 p      

quiet1 &1 if possible1 protect !m f     
insurg5ts4  ,n[1 x happ5$ t among ^!    
headm5 0 "o nam$ ,saw ,ka1 :o _h be5 a  
free-lance 9 8 day1 b ^: s]vices 7 n[   
enli/$ on ! side ( ord]--or1 at lea/1 we
 hop$ s4 ,he 0 a fight+-man1 & r fond ( 
t sort ( ex]cise2 s t ,i 0 n mu*        
surpris$ "o day :5 ,i got a lett] f him 
to say t 8 villag]s _h pursu$ & arre/$1 
aft] a fight1 a numb] ( arm$ robb]s1 :o 
_h tri$ to lift "s ( ! village cattle4  
,! lett] came to me :5 ,i 0 9 my        
c\rt-h\se1 a t5t t5 feet by eight1 try+ 
a case4 ,s1 say+ ,i w\ld see ,saw ,ka's 
p lat]1 & giv+ ord]s = ! prison]s to be 
put 9 ! lock-up1 ,i w5t on ) my "w4 ,:5 
my case 0 f9i%$1 ,i happ5$ to notice t  
among ^? sitt+ & wait+ )\t my t5t-door 0
 ,saw ,ka himself1 s ,i s5t to call him 
91 & ,i complim5t$ him ^u 8 success4 ',x
 %all be report$1' ,i said1 'to !       
,commission]1 :o w1 no d\bt1 rew>d y =  
y\r c>e & dilig5ce 9 ! public s]vice4'  
,z ,i talk$ ,i notic$ t ! man seem$ r   
bewild]$1 & :5 ,i _h f9i%$ he said t he 

really did n und]/&4 ,he 0 aw>e1 he add$
 mode/ly1 t he 0 a dilig5t headman1     
always active 9 good de$s1 & a t]ror to 
dacoits & o!r evil-do]s2 b z to ^!      
p>ticul> robb]s & ?is fight+ he 0 a     
little puzzl$4  ,i 0 consid]ably        
surpris$1 naturally1 & ,i took f ! table
 ! ,burmese lett] describ+ ! affair4 ,x 
began1 ',y\r hon\r1 ,i1 ,maung ,saw ,ka1
 headman1' etc41 & 0 9 ! usual /yle4 ,i 
h&$ x to ,saw ,ka1 & told him to read x4
 ,z he read1 8 wick$ black eyes tw9kl$1 
& :5 he _h f9i%$ he said he _h n be5    
home = a week4  ',i came 9 f a visit to 
! riv]1' he said1 ':]e ,i h ga!r$ = y\r 
hon\r "s private in=mation4 ,i _h n be5 
"h five m9utes be=e ,i 0 call$ 94 ,all  
?is ! lett] speaks ( is news to me1 &   
mu/ h happ5$ :ile ,i 0 away4'  ',!n1 :o 
wrote ! lett]8' ,i ask$4  ',ah6' he     
said1 ',i ?9k ,i "k2 b ,i w g & make    
sure4'  ,!n ,saw ,ka w5t to f9d ! gu>d  
:o _h come 9 ) ! prison]s1 & ,i dissolv$
 c\rt & w5t out %oot+4 ,aft] d9n]1 z we 
sat r\nd a great bonfire be=e ! mess1 = 

! nights 7 cold1 ,saw ,ka & 8 bro!r came
 to me1 & !y sat d[n beside ! fire &    
told me all ab\t x4  ,x appe>$ t ?ree   
days aft] ,saw ,ka left 8 village1 "s   
robb]s came sudd5ly "o ev5+ to a small  
hamlet "s two miles away & loot$ f !re  
all ! cattle1 ?irty or =ty head1 & w5t  
(f ) !m4 ,! fright5$ own]s came 9 to    
tell ! headman ab\t x1 & 9 8 abs5ce !y  
told 8 wife4 ,& %e1 by virtue ( ! ord] (
 appo9tm5t z headman1 :i* 0 9 h] h&s1   
ord]$ ! villag]s to turn out & foll[ !  
dacoits4 ,%e issu$ su* gov]nm5t arms z  
%e _h 9 ! h\se1 & ! villag]s w5t &      
pursu$ ! dacoits by ! cattle tracks1 &  
next day !y ov]took !m1 & !re 0 a fight4
 ,:5 ! villag]s return$ ) ! cattle & !  
?ieves1 %e _h ! lett] writt5 to me1 & ! 
prison]s 7 s5t 91 "u h] husb&'s bro!r1 )
 an escort4 ,ev]y?+ 0 done z well1 z    
successfully1 z if ,saw ,ka himself _h  
be5 pres5t4 ,b if x _h n be5 = ! accid5t
 ( ,saw ,ka's sudd5 appe>ance1 ,i %\ld  
probably nev] h kn[n t ?is exploit 0 due
 to 8 wife2 = %e 0 act+ = h] husb&1 & %e

 w\ld n h be5 pleas$ t h] "n %\ld appe>4
  ',a good wife1' ,i said to ,saw ,ka4  
',l _m1' he answ]$4  ,b 9 h] own l9e %e 
has no objection to publicity4 ,i h said
 t ne>ly all wom5 "w1 & t is s4 ,m>ri$  
or unm>ri$1 f ! age ( sixte5 or sev5te51
 almo/ e woman has "s occupation besides
 h] own duties4 ,9 ! high] classes %e w 
h prop]ty ( h] own to manage2 9 ! l[]   
classes %e w h "s trade4 ,i _c f9d t 9  
,burma !re h ev] be5 c]ta9 occupations  
told (f = wom5 9 :i* !y may "w1 & o!rs  
taboo$ to !m4 ,z !re is no ca/e = ! m51 
s !re is none = ! wom54 ,!y h be5 free  
to try _! h&s at any?+ !y ?\ght !y c\ld 
excel 91 )\t any fe> ( public op9ion4 ,b
 nev]!less1 z is inevitable1 x has be5  
f\nd t !re are c]ta9 trades 9 :i* wom5 c
 compete successfully ) m51 & c]ta9 o!rs
 9 :i* !y _c4 ,& ^! are n q ! same z 9 !
 ,we/4 ,we usually consid] sew+ to be a 
fem99e occupation4 ,9 ,burma1 !re be+ no
 elaborately cut & trimm$ g>m5ts1 !     
am\nt ( sew+ done is small1 b t is      
usually done by m54 ,wom5 (t5 own & use 

small h&-ma*9es1 b ! treadles are always
 us$ by m5 only4 ,z ,i am writ+1 my     
,burmese ord]ly is sitt+ 9 ! g>d5 sew+ 8
 jacket4 ,he is usually sew+ :5 n s5t on
 messages4 ,he seems to sew v well4     
,weav+ is usually done by wom54 ,"u     
ne>ly e h\se !re w be a loom1 :]e ! wife
 or daught] weaves = h]self or = sale4  
,b _m m5 weave also1 & ! f9e/ silks are 
all wov5 by m54 ,i once ask$ a woman :y 
!y did n weave ! be/ silks1 in/ead (    
leav+ !m all to ! m54  ',m5 d !m bett]1'
 %e said1 ) a laugh4 ',i tri$ once1 b ,i
 _c manage t embroid]y4'  ,!y also "w 9 
! fields--light "w1 su* z we$+ & plant+4
 ,! heavy "w1 su* z pl\gh+1 is done by  
m54 ,!y also "w on ! roads c>ry+ ?+s1 z 
all ,ori5tal wom5 d4 ,x is curi\s t wom5
 c>ry always on _! heads1 m5 always on  
_! %\ld]s4 ,i d n "k :y4  ,b ! great    
occupation ( wom5 is petty trad+4 ,i h  
already said t !re are few l>ge m]*ants 
among ! ,burmese4 ,ne>ly all ! retail   
trade is small1 mo/ ( x is v small      
inde$1 & practically ! :ole ( x is 9 !  

h&s ( ! wom54  ,wom5 d n (t5 succe$ 9   
any :olesale trade4 ,!y h n1 ,i ?9k1 a  
wide en\gh grasp ( affairs = t4 ,_!     
views are always some:at limit$2 !y are 
too p5nywise & p\nd-fooli% = big        
bus9esses4 ,! small retail trade1 ga9+ a
 p5ny "h & a p5ny !re1 j suits !m1 & !y 
h almo/ made x a close pr(ession4  ,?is 
trade is almo/ exclusively done 9       
baza>s4 ,9 e t[n !re is a baza>1 f six  
till t5 ea* morn+4 ,:5 !re is no t[n    
ne>1 ! baza> w be held on "o day at "o  
village & on ano!r at a neighb\r+ "o4 ,x
 dep5ds on ! d5sity ( population1 !     
means ( communication1 & o!r matt]s4 ,b 
a baza> )9 rea* !re mu/ always be1 = x  
is only !re t mo/ articles c be b\ght4  
,! baza> is usually held 9 a public     
build+ erect$ = ! purpose1 & ?is may v>y
 f a great m>ket built ( brick & iron to
 a small ?at*$ %$4 ,sometimes1 inde$1   
!re is no build+ at all1 m]ely a space (
 beat5 gr\nd4  ,! great baza> 9 ,m&alay 
is "o ( ! sights ( ! city4 ,! build+ 9  
:i* x is held is ! prop]ty ( !          

municipality1 b is leas$ out4 ,x is a   
s]ies ( enorm\s %$s1 ) iron ro(s & beat5
 e>? floor4 ,ea* trade has a %$ or %$s  
to itself4 ,!re is a place =            
rice-sell]s1 = but*]s1 =                
vegetable-sell]s1 = ! v5dors ( silks1 ( 
cottons1 ( sug>s & spices1 ( firewood1 (
 j>s1 ( fi%4 ,! but*]s are all natives (
 ,india4 ,i h expla9$ else:]e :y ?is    
%\ld be4 ,! firewood-sell]s w mo/ly be  
m51 z w also ! l>ge rice-m]*ants1 b     
ne>ly all ! re/ are wom54  ,y w f9d !   
sell]s ( spices1 fruit1 vegetables1 &   
o!r su* matt]s seat$ 9 long r[s1 on mats
 plac$ ^u ! gr\nd4 ,ea* w h a squ>e (   
space allott$1 p]haps six feet squ>e1 & 
!re %e w sit ) h] m]*&ise 9 a basket or 
baskets be=e h]4 ,= ea* squ>e !y w pay !
 lessee a halfp5ny = ! day1 :i* is only 
?ree h\rs or s4 ,! "t to g is 9 ! morn+ 
f six till eight1 = t is ! busy "t4     
,lat] on all ! /alls w be clos$1 b 9 !  
e>ly morn+ ! m>ket is ?rong$4 ,e        
h\sehold] is !n buy+ 8 or h] provisions 
= ! day1 & ! p cr[d 9 ?\s&s r\nd !      

sell]s4 ,ev]yone is b>ga9+ & *aff+ &    
laugh+1 bo? buy]s & sell]s2 b bo? are v 
ke51 too1 on bus9ess4  ,! clo? & silk   
sell]s1 ! l>ge rice-m]*ants1 & a few o!r
 trad]s1 _c c>ry on bus9ess sitt+ on a  
mat1 nor c !y c>ry _! w>es to & fro e   
day 9 a basket4 ,= su* !re are sep>ate  
build+s or sep>ate aisles1 ) wood5      
/alls1 on ei!r side ( a gangway4 ,!     
wood5 floor ( ! /alls is rais$ two to   
?ree feet1 s t ! buy]1 /&+ on ! gr\nd1  
is ab\t on a level ) ! sell] sitt+ 9 !  
/all4 ,! /all w be ab\t eight feet by   
t51 & ea* has at ! back a /rong lock-up 
cupbo>d or w>drobe1 :]e ! w>es are %ut  
at night2 b 9 ! day !y w be tak5 out &  
arrang$ da9tily ab\t ! girl-sell]4      
,home-made silks are ! /aple--silks 9   
*ecks ( p9k & :ite1 ( yell[ & orange1 ( 
indigo & d>k r$4 ,"s are embroid]$ 9    
silk1 9 silv]1 or 9 gold2 "s are pla94  
,all are ?ick & ri*1 none are glaz$1 &  
none are gaudy4 ,!re w also be silks f  
,bangkok1 :i* are ( two col\rs--purple  
%ot ) r$1 & orange %ot ) r$1 bo? v      

beautiful4 ,all ! silks are wov5 ! size 
( ! dress3 = m51 ab\t tw5ty-eight feet  
long & tw5ty in*es broad2 & = wom51 ab\t
 five feet long & mu* broad]4 ,?us1 !re 
is no cutt+ (f ! piece4 ,! anas1 too1   
:i* are ! bottom pieces = a woman's     
dress1 are wov5 ! prop] size4 ,!re w    
probably1 too1 be piles ( %[y cambric   
jackets & gauzy silk h&k]*iefs2 b (t5 ^!
 are sold at sep>ate /alls4  ,b pretti] 
?an ! silks are ! sell]s1 = ^! are ne>ly
 all girls & wom51 sweet & fre% 9 _!    
:ite jackets1 ) fl[]s 9 _! hair4 ,& !y  
are all delight$ to talk to y & %[ y _! 
goods1 ev5 if y d n buy2 & !y w take a  
complim5t s$ately1 z a girl %\ld1 & !y w
 probably *>ge y an extra rupee = x :5 y
 come to pay = y\r pur*ases4 ,s x is    
nev] wise = a man1 unless he h a he>t ( 
/one1 to g m>ket+ = silks4 ,he %\ld     
always ask a lady fri5d to g ) him & d !
 b>ga9+1 & he w lose no c\rtesy !reby1 =
 ^! wom5 "k h[ to be c\rte\s to         
fell[-wom5 z well z to fell[-m54  ,9 !  
prov9cial baza>s x is mu* ! same4 ,!re  

may be a few travell+ m]*ants f ,rangoon
 or ,m&alay1 mo/ ( :om are m52 b ne>ly  
all ! retail]s are wom54 ,inde$1 speak+ 
broadly1 x may be said t ! retail trade 
( ! c\ntry is 9 ! h&s ( ! wom51 & !y    
ne>ly all trade on _! own acc\nt4 ,j z !
 m5 f>m _! own l&1 ! wom5 own _!        
bus9esses4 ,!y are n saleswom5 = o!rs1 b
 trad]s on _! own acc\nt2 & ) !         
exception ( ! silk & clo? bran*es ( !   
trade1 x does n int]f]e ) home-life4 ,! 
baza> la/s b ?ree h\rs1 & a woman has   
ample "t = h] home duties :5 h] daily   
visit to ! baza> is ov]2 %e is nev] kept
 away all day 9 %ops & factories4  ,h]  
home-life is always ! c5tre ( h] life2  
%e c\ld n neglect x = any o!r3 x w\ld   
seem to h] a los+ ( ! great] 9 ! less4  
,b ! effect ( ?is cu/om ( ne>ly e woman 
hav+ a little bus9ess ( h] own has a    
great influ5ce on h] life4 ,x broad5s h]
 views2 x tea*es h] ?+s %e c\ld n le>n 9
 ! n>r[ circle ( home duties2 x gives h]
 t tol]ance & und]/&+ :i* s =cibly      
/rikes ev]yone :o kn[s h]4 ,x tea*es h] 

to "k h] own /r5g? & weakness1 & h[ to  
make ! be/ ( ea*4 ,above all1 by %[+ h] 
! real life ab\t h]1 & h[ mu* beauty !re
 is ev]y:]e1 to ^? ^: eyes are n %ut by 
conv5tions1 x saves h] f t dre>y1 we>y  
pessimism t seeks its relief 9 fanci$   
idealism1 9 a smatt]+ ( art1 (          
lit]ature1 or ( religion1 & :i* is !    
curse ( s _m ( h] si/]s 9 o!r l&s4  ,&  
yet1 ) all _! fre$om1 ,burmese wom5 are 
v p>ticul> 9 _! conduct4 ,d n imag9e t  
"y girls are all[$1 or all[ !mselves1 to
 g ab\t alone except on v frequ5t$      
roads4 ,i suppose !re are c]ta9 limits 9
 all c\ntries to ! fre$om a woman all[s 
h]self1 t is to say1 if %e is wise4 ,=  
%e kn[s t %e _c always tru/ h]self2 %e  
kn[s t %e is weak sometimes1 & %e       
protects h]self accord+ly4 ,%e is timid1
 ) a delightful timidity t fe>s1 because
 x half und]/&s2 %e is brave1 ) ! brav]y
 ( a girl :o kn[s t z long z %e keeps )9
 c]ta9 limits %e is safe4 ,d n suppose t
 !y ev] d1 or ev] c1 all[ !mselves t    
fre$om ( action t m5 h2 x is an         

impossibility4 ,girls are v c>efully    
look$ aft] by _! mo!rs1 & wives by _!   
husb&s2 & !y delight 9 obs]v+ ! limits  
:i* exp]i5ce has indicat$ to !m4 ,!re is
 a funny /ory :i* w illu/rate :at ,i    
mean4 ,a great fri5d ( m9e1 an (fic] 9  
,gov]nm5t s]vice1 w5t home n v long ago 
& m>ri$1 & came out aga9 to ,burma ) 8  
wife4 ,!y settl$ d[n 9 a little         
up-c\ntry /ation4 ,8 duties 7 su* z     
oblig$ him to g v frequ5tly on t\r f>   
away f 8 home1 & he w\ld be abs5t t5    
days at a "t or m4 ,s :5 x came = ! fir/
 "t t he 0 oblig$ to g out & leave 8    
wife beh9d him alone 9 ! h\se1 he gave 8
 head-s]vant v c>eful directions4 ,?is  
s]vant 0 a ,burman :o _h be5 ) him = _m 
ye>s1 :o knew all 8 ways1 & :o 0 a v    
good s]vant4 ,he did n speak ,engli%2 & 
my fri5d gave him /rict ord]s4  ',!     
mi/ress1' he said1 'has only j come "h  
to ,burma1 & %e does n "k ! ways ( !    
c\ntry1 nor :at to d4 ,s y mu/ see t no 
h>m comes to h] 9 any way :ile ,i am 9 !
 jungle4'  ,!n he gave directions z to  

:at 0 to be done 9 any ev5tuality1 & he 
w5t out4  ,he 0 away = ab\t a =tnight1 &
 :5 he return$ he f\nd all well4 ,! h\se
 _h n caught fire1 nor _h ?ieves /ol5   
any?+1 nor _h !re be5 any difficulty at 
all4 ,! s]vant _h look$ aft] ! o!r      
s]vants well1 & my fri5d 0 well pleas$4 
,b 8 wife compla9$4  ',x has be5 v      
dull1' %e said1 ':ile y 7 away4 ,no "o  
came to see me2 ( all ! (fic]s "h1 n "o 
ev] call$4 ,i saw only two or ?ree      
ladies1 b n a man at all4'  ,& my fri5d1
 surpris$1 ask$ 8 s]vant h[ x 04        
',didn't anyone come to call8' he ask$4 
',oh yes1' ! s]vant answ]$2 '_m g5tlem5 
came to call--! (fic]s ( ! regim5t &    
o!rs4 ,b ,i told !m ! ?ak9 0 out1 & t ! 
?ak9ma c\ld n see anyone4 ,i s5t !m all 
away4'  ,at ! club t ev5+ my fri5d 0    
que/ion$ z to :y 9 8 abs5ce no "o 0     
all[$ to see 8 wife4 ,! :ole /ation     
laugh$ at him1 b ,i ?9k he & 8 wife     
laugh$ mo/ ( all at ! c>eful obs]vances 
( ,burmese etiquette by ! s]vant2 = x is
 ! ,burmese cu/om = a wife n to receive 

9 h] husb&'s abs5ce4 ,anyone :o wants to
 see h] mu/ /ay outside or 9 ! v]&a1 &  
%e w come out & speak to him4 ,x w\ld be
 a grave brea* ( decorum to receive     
visitors :ile h] husb& is out4  ,s ev5 a
 ,burmese woman is n free f             
re/rictions--re/rictions :i* are m]ely  
rules f\nd$ ^u exp]i5ce4 ,no woman1 no  
man1 c ev] free h]self or himself f !   
bonds t ev5 a "y civilization dem&s4 ,a 
fre$om f all re/ra9t w\ld be a return1 n
 only to savag]y1 b to ! condition (    
animals--nay1 ev5 animals are b\nd by   
c]ta9 conv5tions4  ,! high] a           
civilization1 ! m conv5tions are        
requir$2 & fre$om does n mean an abs5ce 
( all rules1 b t all rules %\ld be f\nd$
 on exp]i5ce & common-s5se4  ,!re are   
c]ta9 re/rictions on a woman's actions  
:i* mu/ be obs]v$ z long z m5 are m5 &  
wom5 wom54 ,t ! ,burmese woman nev]     
recognises !m unless !y are necess>y1 & 
!n accepts ! necessity z a necessity1 is
 ! fact :]e9 h] fre$om lies4 ,if at any 
"t %e %\ld recognise t a re/riction 0   

unnecess>y1 %e w\ld reject x4 ,if       
exp]i5ce told h] fur!r re/rictions 7    
requir$1 %e w\ld accept !m )\t a d\bt4  
,,*apt] ,,xvi  ,,wom5--,,iii       ',=  
wom5 are v t5d]-he>t$4'                 
,we?&aya4   ',y "k1 ?ak91' said a man to
 me1 't we say sometimes t wom5 _c atta9
 unto ! great deliv]ance1 t only m5 w   
come !re4 ,we ?9k t a woman mu/ be born 
aga9 z a man be=e %e c ent] ^u ! way t  
leads to heav54'  ',:y %\ld t be s8' ,i 
ask$4 ',i h look$ at ! life ( ! ,buddha1
 ,i h read ! sacr$ books1 & ,i c f9d    
no?+ ab\t x4 ,:at makes y ?9k t8'  ,he  
expla9$ x 9 ?is way3 ',be=e a s\l c     
atta9 deliv]ance x mu/ r5\nce ! _w1 x   
mu/ h purifi$ itself by wisdom &        
m$itation f all ! lu/ ( ! fle%4 ,only ^?
 :o h done ?is c ent] into ! ,great     
,peace4 ,_m m5 d ?is4 ,! c\ntry is full 
( monks1 m5 :o h left ! _w1 & are try+  
to foll[ 9 ! pa? ( ! great tea*]4 ,n all
 ^! w imm$iately atta9 to heav51 =      
purification is a v long process2 b !y h
 ent]$ into ! pa?1 !y h se5 ! light1 if 

x be ev5 a long way (f yet4 ,!y "k :i!r 
!y w\ld g4 ,b wom51 see h[ few become   
nuns6 ,only ^? :o h suff]$ su* %ipwreck 
9 life t ?is _w holds no?+ m = !m wor?  
hav+ become nuns4 ,& !y are v few4 ,= a 
hundr$ monks !re is n "o nun4 ,wom5 are 
too atta*$ to _! home1 to _! fa!rs1 _!  
husb&s1 _! *ildr51 to ent] into ! holy  
life2 &1 !re=e1 h[ %all !y come to heav5
 except !y return z m58 ,our tea*] says 
no?+ ab\t x1 b we h eyes1 & we c see4'  
,all ?is is true4 ,wom5 h no desire = ! 
holy life4 ,!y _c te> !mselves away f _!
 home-life4 ,if _! passions are less ?an
 ^? ( m51 !y h ev5 less comm& ov] !m ?an
 m5 h4 ,only ! pr(\nde/ despair w drive 
a woman to a r5unciation ( ! _w4 ,if on 
an av]age _! lives are pur] ?an ^? ( m51
 !y _c rise to ! heights to :i* m5 c4   
,h[ _m monks !re are--h[ few nuns6 ,n "o
 to a hundr$4  ,yet 9 "s ways wom5 are  
f> m religi\s ?an m54 ,if y g to ! gold5
 pagoda on ! hilltop & c\nt ! p kneel+  
!re do+ hon\r to ! tea*]1 y w f9d !y are
 ne>ly all wom54 ,if y g to ! re/-h\ses 

by ! mona/]y1 :]e ! monks recite ! law  
on ,sundays1 y w f9d t ! congregations  
are ne>ly all wom54 ,if y visit !       
mona/]y )\t ! gate1 y w see _m visitors 
br++ little pres5ts1 & !y w be wom54    
',?ak91 _m m5 d n c>e = religion at all1
 b :5 a man does d s1 he takes x v      
s]i\sly4 ,he foll[s x out to ! end4 ,he 
becomes a monk1 & surr5d]s ! :ole _w4 ,b
 ) wom5 x is diff]5t4 ,_m wom51 ne>ly   
all wom51 w l religion1 & none w take x 
s]i\sly4 ,we mix x up ) our home-life1 &
 our affections1 & our worldly do+s2 =  
we l a little ( ev]y?+4' ,s said a woman
 to me4  ,is ?is always true8 ,i d n "k1
 b x is v true 9 ,burma4 ,ne>ly all !   
wom5 are religi\s1 !y l to g to !       
mona/]y & he> ! law1 !y l to give       
pres5ts to ! monks1 !y l to visit !     
pagoda & adore ,gaudama ! ,buddha4 ,i am
 sure t if x 7 n = _! influ5ce ! laws   
aga9/ tak+ life & aga9/ intoxicants w\ld
 n be obs]v$ z /r+5tly z !y are4 ,s f>  
!y w g4 ,z f> z !y c use ! precepts (   
religion & reta9 _! home-life !y w d s2 

z x 0 ) ,ya?odaya s long ago1 s x is n[4
 ,b :5 religion calls !m & says1 ',come 
away f ! _w1 leave all t y love1 all t  
y\r he>t holds good1 = x is naught2 see 
! light1 & prep>e y\r s\l = peace1' !y  
hold back4 ,?is !y _c d2 x is f> beyond 
!m4 ',?ak91 we _c d s4 ,x w\ld seem to u
 t]rible1' t is :at !y say4  ,a man :o  
r5\nces ! _w is call$ '! great glory1' b
 n s a woman4  ,i h said t ! ,buddhi/   
religion holds m5 & wom5 z equal4 ,if   
wom5 c obs]ve its laws z m5 d1 x is     
surely _! own fault if !y be held ! less
 wor?y4  ,wom5 !mselves admit ?is4 ,!y  
hon\r a man greatly :o becomes a monk1 n
 s a nun4 ,nuns h b little consid]ation4
 ,& :y8 ,because :at is good = a man is 
n good = a woman2 & if1 inde$1          
r5unciation ( ! _w be ! only pa? to !   
,great ,peace1 !n surely x mu/ be true t
 wom5 mu/ be born aga94     ,,*apt]     
,,xvii  ,,divorce       ',!y are to ea* 
o!r z a burn+ poison fall+ into a man's 
eye4'--,burmese say+4   ,i rememb] a    
night n s long ago2 x 0 9 ! hot wea!r1 &

 ,i 0 out 9 camp ) my fri5d !           
police-(fic]4 ,x 0 pa/ sunset1 & ! air  
b5ea? ! trees 0 full ( lum9\s gloom1    
?\gh ov]head a flu% /ill l+]$ on ! *eek 
( ! night4 ,we 7 sitt+ 9 ! v]&a ( a     
,gov]nm5t re/-h\se1 enjoy+ ! fir/       
coolness ( ! com+ night1 & talk+ 9      
disjo9t$ s5t5ces ( _m ?+s2 & !re came up
 ! /eps ( ! h\se into ! v]&a a woman4   
,%e came =w>d sl[ly1 & !n sat d[n on !  
floor beside my fri5d1 & began to speak4
 ,!re 0 a lamp burn+ 9 an inn] room1 & a
 long b> ( light came ?r\gh ! door & lit
 h] face4 ,i c\ld see %e 0 n good-look+1
 b t h] eyes 7 full ( te>s1 & h] face   
drawn ) tr\ble4 ,i recognis$ :o %e 01 ! 
wife ( ! head-con/able 9 *>ge ( ! gu>d  
ne> by1 a woman ,i _h notic$ once or    
twice 9 ! gu>d4  ,%e spoke s fa/1 s fa/2
 ! words fell ov] ea* o!r z !y came f h]
 lips1 = h] he>t 0 v full4  ,i sat q    
/ill & said no?+2 ,i ?9k %e h>dly notic$
 ,i 0 !re4 ,x 0 all ab\t h] husb&4      
,ev]y?+ 0 wrong2 all _h gone crook$ 9 _!
 lives1 & %e did n "k :at %e c\ld d4 ,at

 fir/ %e c\ld h>dly tell :at x 0 all    
ab\t1 b at la/ %e expla9$4 ,= "s ye>s1  
?ree or f\r ye>s1 matt]s _h n be5 v     
smoo? betwe5 !m4 ,!y _h qu>rell$ (t51 %e
 said1 ab\t ?is ?+ & ! o!r1 little ?+s  
mo/ly2 & gradually ! rift _h wid5$ till 
x became v broad inde$4  ',p]haps1' %e  
said1 'if ,i _h be5 able to h a *ild x  
w\ld h be5 diff]5t4' ,b fate 0 unk9d &  
no baby came1 & h] husb& became m & m   
angry ) h]4 ',& yet ,i did all = ! be/1 
?ak92 ,i always tri$ to act = ! be/4 ,my
 husb& has si/]s at ,h5zada1 & !y write 
to him n[ & !n1 & say1 ,s5d t5 rupees1  
or ,s5d five rupees1 or ev5 tw5ty       
rupees4 ,& ,i always say1 ,s5d1 s5d4    
,o!r wives w\ld say1 ,no1 we _c af=d x2 
b ,i said always1 ,s5d1 s5d4 ,i h always
 done = ! be/1 always = ! be/4'  ,x 0 v 
pitiable to he> h] op5+ h] :ole he>t1   
su* a sore tr\bl$ he>t1 l ?is4 ,h] words
 7 full ( pa?os2 h] uncomely face 0 n   
beautifi$ by ! sorr[ 9 x4 ,& at la/ h]  
husb& took a second wife4  ',%e is a    
girl f a village ne>2 ! ?ak9 kn[s1      

,taungywa4 ,he did n tell me1 b ,i soon 
he>d ( x2 & al?\gh ,i ?\ght my he>t w\ld
 break1 ,i did n say any?+4 ,i told my  
husb&1 ,br+ h] "h1 let u live all       
toge!r2 x w be be/ s4 ,i always did = ! 
be/1 ?ak94 ,s he br\ght h]1 & %e came to
 live ) u a week ago4 ,ah1 ?ak91 ,i did 
n "k6 ,%e tramples on me4 ,my head is "u
 h] feet4 ,my husb& does n c>e = me1    
only = h]4 ,& to-day1 ?is ev5+1 !y w5t  
out toge!r = a walk1 & my husb& took )  
him ! conc]t9a4 ,z !y w5t ,i c\ld he>   
him play ^u x1 & !y walk$ d[n ?r\gh !   
trees1 he play+ & %e lean+ ^u him4 ,i   
he>d ! music4'  ,!n %e began to cry     
bitt]ly1 sobb+ z if h] he>t w\ld break4 
,! sunset di$ out ( ! sky1 & ! %ad[s    
took all ! _w & made x gray & d>k4 ,no  
"o said any?+1 only ! woman cri$4       
',?ak91' %e said at la/1 ':at am ,i to  
d8 ,tell me4'  ,!n my fri5d spoke4  ',y 
c divorce him1' he said2 'y c g to !    
eld]s & get a divorce4 ,won't t be be/8'
  ',b1 ?ak91 y d n "k4 ,we are bo?      
,*ri/ians2 we are m>ri$ = ev]4 ,we 7 bo?

 at ! mission-s*ool 9 ,rangoon1 & we 7  
m>ri$ !re1 = ev] & = ev]1 s ! padre     
said4 ,we are n m>ri$ accord+ to        
,burmese cu/oms1 b accord+ to y\r       
religion2 we are husb& & wife = ev]4'   
,my fri5d said no?+4 ,x seem$ to him    
useless to speak to h] ( ! ,high ,c\rt1 
five hundr$ miles away1 & a decree nisi2
 x w\ld h be5 a mock]y ( h] tr\ble4     
',y\r husb& _h no "r to take a second   
wife1 if y are ,*ri/ians & m>ri$1' he   
said4  ',ah1' %e answ]$1 'we are        
,burmans2 x is all[$ by ,burmese law4   
,o!r (ficials d x4 ,:at does my husb&   
c>e t we 7 m>ri$ by y\r law8 ,"h we are 
alone ) no o!r ,*ri/ians ne>4 ,b ,i w\ld
 n m9d s mu*1' %e w5t on1 'only %e      
treads me "u h] feet4 ,& he takes h] out
 & n me1 :o am ! eld] wife1 & he plays  
music to h]2 & ,i did all = ! be/4 ,?is 
tr\ble has come ^u me1 ?\gh all my life 
,i h act$ = ! be/4'  ,!re came ano!r    
foot/ep up ! /air1 & a man ent]$4 ,x 0  
h] husb&4 ,on 8 return he _h miss$ 8    
wife1 & guess$ :i!r %e _h gone1 & _h    

foll[$ h]4 ,he came alone4  ,!n !re 0 a 
sad sc5e1 only re/ra9$ by respect = my  
fri5d4 ,i ne$ n tell x4 ,!re 0 a man's  
side to ! "q1 a /rong "o4 ,! wife _h a  
t]rible temp]1 a peevi%1 nagg+1 madd5+  
fa%ion ( talk+4 ,%e 0 a woman v h>d = a 
man to live )4  ,does x matt] mu* :i* 0 
"r or wrong1 n[ t ! mis*ief 0 done8 ,!y 
w5t away at la/1 n reconcil$4 ,c\ld !y  
be reconcil$8 ,i _c tell4 ,i left !re   
next day1 & h nev] return$4  ,!re !y _h 
liv$ = _m ye>s among _! own p1 f> away f
 ! influ5ce t _h come ^u _! *ildhood1 & 
l$ !m into /range ways4 ,& n[ all t 0   
left ( t influ5ce 0 ! *a9 t b\nd !m     
toge!r4 ,_h x n be5 = t !y w\ld h be5   
divorc$ long ago2 = !y _h nev] agre$ v  
well1 & bo? sides _h bitt] gr\nds =     
compla9t4 ,!y w\ld h be5 divorc$1 & bo? 
c\ld h gone _! own way4 ,b n[1 :at 0 to 
be done8  ,t is "o ( my memories3 ?is is
 ano!r4  ,!re 0 a girl ,i knew1 !       
daught] ( a man :o _h made "s money by  
trad+1 & :5 ! fa!r di$ ! prop]ty 0      
divid$ accord+ to law betwe5 ! girl & h]

 bro!r4 ,%e 0 a little heiress 9 h] way1
 own+ a g>d51 :]e grew _m fruit-trees1 &
 a piece ( rice l&4 ,%e _h also a %>e 9 
a little %op :i* %e manag$1 & %e _h _m  
gold bracelets & f9e diamond e>r+s4 ,%e 
0 mu* woo$ by ! "y m5 ab\t !re1 & at la/
 %e m>ri$4 ,he 0 a "y man1 good-look+1 a
 s]geant ( police1 & = a "t !y 7 v      
happy4 ,& !n tr\ble came4 ,! husb& took 
to bad ways4 ,! k t he c\ld get money = 
no?+ 0 too mu* = him4 ,he drank & he    
wa/$ h] money1 & he neglect$ 8 "w1 & at 
la/ he 0 dismiss$ f ,gov]nm5t employ4 ,&
 8 wife got angry ) him1 & compla9$ (   
him to ! neighb\rs2 & made him worse1   
?\gh %e 0 at he>t a good girl4 ,quickly 
he w5t f bad to worse1 until 9 a v %ort 
"t1 six mon?s1 ,i ?9k1 he _h sp5t half  
h] little =tune4 ,!n %e began to limit  
supplies--! husb& did no "w at all--& 9 
consequ5ce he began to neglect h]2 !y _h
 _m qu>rels1 & h] tongue 0 %>p1 & matt]s
 got worse & worse until !y 7 ! talk ( !
 village4 ,all attempts ( ! headman &   
eld]s to re/ra9 him 7 useless4 ,he      

became qu>relsome1 & w5t on f "o ?+ to  
ano!r1 until at la/ he 0 suspect$ ( be+ 
conc]n$ 9 a crime4 ,s !n :5 all means _h
 fail$ to re/ore h] husb& to h]1 :5 !y  
_h drift$ f> ap>t & !re 0 no?+ be=e !m b
 tr\ble1 %e w5t to ! eld]s ( ! village &
 dem&$ a divorce4 ,& ! eld]s grant$ x to
 h]4 ,h] husb& object$2 he did n want to
 be divorc$4 ,he claim$ ?is1 & he claim$
 t1 b x 0 all ( no use4 ,s ! tie t _h   
unit$ !m 0 dissolv$1 z ! love _h be5    
dissolv$ long be=e1 & !y p>t$4 ,! man   
w5t away to ,l[] ,burma4 ,!y tell me he 
has become a cultivator & has re=m$1 &  
is do+ well2 & ! girl is ready to m>ry  
aga94 ,half h] prop]ty is gone1 b half  
rema9s1 & %e has /ill h] little bus9ess4
 ,i ?9k !y w bo? d well4 ,b if !y _h be5
 *a9$ toge!r1 :at !n8  ,9 ,burma divorce
 is free4 ,anyone c obta9 x by appe>+   
be=e ! eld]s ( ! village & dem&+ x4 ,a  
writ+ ( divorcem5t is made out1 & !     
p>ties are free4 ,ea* reta9s 8 or h] own
 prop]ty1 & t e>n$ dur+ m>riage is      
divid$2 only t ! p>ty claim+ ! divorce  

has to leave ! h\se to ! o!r--t is !    
only p5alty1 & x is n always en=c$1     
unless ! h\se be jo9t prop]ty4  ,z      
religion has no?+ to d ) m>riage1 nei!r 
has x ) divorce4 ,m>riage is a /atus1 a 
p>tn]%ip1 no?+ m4 ,b x is all t4        
,divorce is a dissolution ( t p>tn]%ip4 
,a ,burman w\ld n ask1 ',7 !y m>ri$8' b1
 ',are !y man & wife8' ,& s ) divorce1 x
 is a cessation ( ! /ate ( m>riage4     
,eld]s tell me t wom5 ask = divorce f> m
 ?an m5 d4 ',m5 h pati5ce1 & wom5 h n1' 
t is :at !y say4 ,= e little qu>rel a   
woman w want a divorce4 ',?ak91 if we 7 
to grant divorces e "t a woman came &   
dem&$ x1 we %\ld be do+ no?+ else all   
day long4 ,if a husb& comes home to f9d 
d9n] n cook$1 & speaks angrily1 8 wife w
 ru% to u 9 te>s = a divorce4 ,if he    
speaks to ano!r woman & smiles1 if he   
does n give 8 wife a new dress1 if he be
 fond ( go+ out 9 ! ev5+s1 all ^! are   
reasons = a brea?less dem& = a divorce4 
,! wives get cross & run to u & cry1 ,my
 husb& has be5 angry ) me4 ,nev] w ,i   

live ) him aga94 ,give me a divorce4    
,or1 ,see my clo!s1 h[ old !y are4 ,i _c
 buy any new dress4 ,i w h a divorce4 ,&
 we say1 ,yes1 yes2 x is v sad4 ,(      
c\rse1 y mu/ h a divorce2 b we _c give y
 "o to-night4 ,g away1 & come aga9 9    
?ree days or 9 f\r days1 :5 we h m "t4  
,!y g away1 ?ak91 & !y d n return4 ,next
 day x is all =gott54 ,y see1 !y don't  
"k :at !y want2 !y turn ) ! w9d--!y h no
 pati5ce4'  ,yet sometimes !y rep5t too 
late4 ,"h is ano!r ( my memories ab\t   
divorce3  ,!re 0 a man & 8 wife1        
cultivators1 liv+ 9 a small village4 ,! 
l& t he cultivat$ belong$ to 8 wife1 =  
%e _h inh]it$ x f h] fa!r1 toge!r ) a   
h\se & a little money4 ,! man _h no?+ :5
 he m>ri$ h]1 b he 0 h>dwork+ & hone/ & 
good-temp]$1 & !y kept !mselves go+     
com=tably en\gh4 ,b he _h "o fault3 e n[
 & !n he w\ld dr9k too mu*4 ,?is 0 9    
,l[] ,burma1 :]e liquor %ops are free to
 ,burmans4 ,9 ,upp] ,burma no liquor c  
be sold to !m4 ,he did n dr9k (t54 ,he 0
 a teetotal] g5]ally2 b once a mon?1 or 

once 9 two mon?s1 he w\ld meet "s       
fri5ds1 & !y w\ld dr9k 9 good fell[%ip1 
& he w\ld return home drunk4 ,8 wife    
felt ?is v bitt]ly1 & :5 he w\ld come   
into ! h\se1 8 eyes r$ & 8 face swoll51 
%e w\ld attack him ) bitt] words1 z wom5
 d4 ,%e w\ld upbraid him = 8 conduct1 %e
 w\ld po9t at him ! f+] ( scorn1 %e w\ld
 tell him 9 bit+ words t he 0 dr9k+ !   
produce ( h] fields1 ( h] inh]itance2 %e
 w\ld ev5 impute to him1 9 h] passion1  
worse ?+s ?an ^!1 ?+s t 7 n true4 ,& !  
husb& 0 usually good-natur$1 & admitt$ 8
 wrong1 & put up ) all h] abuse1 & !y   
liv$ m or less happily till ! next "t4  
,& aft] ?is _h be5 go+ on = a few ye>s1 
in/ead ( gett+ accu/om$ to h] husb&1    
in/ead ( see+ t if he _h ?is fault he _h
 _m virtues1 & t he 0 j z good a husb& z
 %e 0 a wife1 or p]haps bett]1 h] ang]  
aga9/ him increas$ e "t1 till n[ %e w\ld
 decl>e t %e w\ld abide x no long]1 t he
 0 pa/ endurance1 & %e w\ld h a divorce2
 & sev]al times %e ev5 ran to ! eld]s to
 dem& x4 ,b ! eld]s w\ld put x by4 ',let

 x wait1' !y said1 '= a few days1 & !n  
we w see2' & by t "t all 0 soo!d d[n    
aga94 ,b at la/ ! end came4 ,"o night %e
 pass$ all b\nds 9 h] ang]1 us+ words t 
c\ld nev] be =giv52 & :5 %e decl>$ z    
usual t %e mu/ h a divorce1 h] husb&    
said3 ',yes1 we w divorce4 ,let !re be  
an end ( x4' ,& s next day !y w5t to !  
eld]s bo? ( !m1 & z bo? dem&$ ! divorce1
 ! eld]s c\ld n delay v long4 ,a few    
days' delay !y made1 b ! man 0 firm1 &  
at la/ x 0 done4 ,!y 7 divorc$4 ,i ?9k !
 woman w\ld h drawn back at ! la/ mom5t1
 b %e c\ld n1 = v %ame1 & ! man nev]    
wav]$4 ,he 0 (f5d$ pa/ =giv5ess4  ,s !  
divorce 0 giv51 & ! man left ! h\se &   
w5t to live else:]e4  ,9 a few days--a v
 few days--! wife s5t = him aga94 ',w\ld
 he return8' ,& he refus$4 ,!n %e w5t to
 ! headman & ask$ him to make x up1 & ! 
headman s5t = ! husb&1 :o came4  ,!     
woman ask$ h] husb& to return4  ',come  
back1' %e said1 'come back4 ,i h be5    
wrong4 ,let u =give4 ,x %all nev] happ5 
aga94'  ,b ! man %ook 8 head4  ',no1' he

 said2 'a divorce is a divorce4 ,i d n  
c>e to m>ry & divorce once a week4 ,y 7 
always say+ ,i w divorce y1 ,i w divorce
 y4 ,n[ x is done4 ,let x rema94'  ,!   
woman 0 /ruck ) grief4  ',b ,i did n    
"k1' %e said2 ',i 0 hot-temp]$4 ,i 0    
fooli%4 ,b n[ ,i "k4 ,ah6 ! h\se is s   
lonely6 ,i h b two e>s1 ,i h b two eyes1
 & ! h\se is s l>ge4'  ,b ! husb& refus$
 aga94  ',:at is done1 is done4 ,m>riage
 is n to be tak5 (f & put on l a jacket4
 ,i h made up my m9d4'  ,!n he w5t away1
 & aft] a little ! woman w5t away too4  
,%e w5t /raight to ! big1 lonely h\se1 &
 !re %e hang$ h]self4  ,y see1 %e lov$  
him all ! "t1 b did n "k till too late4 
,m5 d n (t5 apply = divorce except = v  
good cause1 & ) _! m9ds fully made up to
 obta9 x4 ,!y d obta9 x1 ( c\rse4  ,)   
?is facility = divorce1 x is rem>kable  
h[ uncommon x is4 ,9 ! villages & among/
 respectable ,burmans 9 all classes (   
life x is a great exception to divorce  
or to be divorc$4 ,! only class among/  
:om x is at all common is ! class (     

hang]s-on to our ,adm9i/ration1 ! cl]ks 
& policem51 & s on4 ,i fe> !re is little
 t is good to be said ( _m ( !m4 ,x is  
t]rible to see h[ demoraliz+ our contact
 is to all sorts & conditions ( m54 ,to 
be atta*$ to our ,adm9i/ration is almo/ 
a /igma ( disreputabl5ess4 ,i rememb]   
rem>k+ once to a headman t a c]ta9      
(ficial seem$ to be q reg>dless ( public
 op9ion 9 8 life1 & ask$ him if !       
villag]s did n condemn him4 ,& ! headman
 answ]$ ) surprise3 ',b he is an        
(ficial2' z if (ficials 7 q sup]        
grammaticam ( morals4  ,& yet ?is is !  
class f :om we mo/ ( u obta9 our k (    
,burmese life1 :om we see mo/ (1 ^:     
op9ions we accept z reflect+ ! tru? (   
,burmese ?\ght4 ,no wond] we are s (t5  
a/ray4  ,among/ ^!1 ! tak+ ( second1 &  
ev5 ?ird1 wives is n at all uncommon1 & 
naturally divorce (t5 foll[s4 ,among !  
great mass ( ! p x is v uncommon4 ,i _c 
give any figures4 ,!re are no records   
kept ( m>riage or ( divorce4 ,:at !     
proportion is x is impossible to ev5    

guess4 ,i h he>d all sorts ( e/imates1  
none f\nd$ on m ?an imag9ation4 ,i h ev5
 tri$ to f9d out 9 small villages :at ! 
numb] ( divorces 7 9 a ye>1 & tri$ to   
e/imate f ?is ! p]c5tage4 ,i made x f #b
 to #e p] c5t4 ( ! m>riages4 ,b ,i _c   
(f] ^! figures z correct = any l>ge     
area4 ,probably !y v>y f place to place 
& f ye> to ye>4 ,9 ! old "t ! que5 0 v  
/rict ^u ! po9t4 ,z %e w\ld all[ no o!r 
wife to h] k+1 s %e w\ld all[ no tak+ ( 
o!r wives1 no abuse ( divorce among h]  
subjects4 ,:atev] h] influ5ce may h be5 
9 o!r ways1 "h x 0 all = good4 ,b ! que5
 has gone1 & !re is no "o left at all4  
,no "o b ! hang]s-on ( :om ,i h spok51  
examples n to be foll[$1 b to be %unn$4 
,b ( ?is !re is no mann] ( d\bt1 t ?is  
fre$om ( m>riage & divorce leads to no  
lic5se4 ,!re is no confusion betwe5     
m>riage or non-m>riage1 & ev5 yet public
 op9ion is a v great *eck ^u divorce4 ,x
 is consid]$ n "r to divorce y\r husb&  
or y\r wife )\t good--v good & suffici5t
 cause4 ,& :at is good & suffici5t cause

 is v well und]/ood4 ,t a woman %\ld h a
 nagg+ tongue1 t a man %\ld be a        
drunk>d1 :at c\ld be bett] cause ?an    
?is8 ,! gravity ( ! (f5ce lies 9 :e!r x 
makes life unbe>able toge!r1 n 9 ! "n y 
may give x4  ,! facility = divorce has  
o!r effects too4 ,x makes a man & a     
woman v c>eful 9 _! behavi\r to ea* o!r4
 ,! *a9 t b9ds !m is a *a9 ( mutual     
=be>ance1 ( mutual endurance1 ( mutual  
love2 & if ^! be brok51 !n is ! bond    
gone4 ,m>riage is no fett] ab\t a man or
 woman1 b9d+ bo? to t :i* !y may get to 
hate4  ,9 ! fir/ ,burmese w> 9 #ahbe !re
 0 a man1 an ,engli%man1 tak5 prison] 9 
,ava & put 9 prison1 & !re he f\nd c]ta9
 ,europeans & ,am]icans4 ,aft] a "t1 =  
fe> ( attempts at escape1 ^! prison]s 7 
*a9$ toge!r two & two4 ,he tells y1 ?is 
,engli%man1 h[ t]rible ?is 01 & ( ! hate
 & repulsion t arose 9 y\r he>t to y\r  
co-bondsman4 ,be=e !y 7 *a9$ toge!r !y  
liv$ 9 close neighb\rhood1 9 peace &    
amity2 b :5 ! *a9s came x 0 f> o!rwise1 
?\gh !y 7 no ne>] ?an be=e4 ,!y got to  

hate ea* o!r4  ,& ?is is ! ,burmese idea
 ( m>riage1 t x is a p>tn]%ip ( love &  
affection1 & t :5 ^! die1 all %\ld be   
ov]4 ,an unbreakable m>riage appe>s to  
!m z a fett]1 a bond1 some?+ hateful &  
hate inspir+4 ,!y are a p :o love to be 
free3 !y hate bonds & dogmas ( e        
description4 ,x is always religion t has
 made a bond ( m>riage1 & "h religion   
has n int]f]$4 ,!irs is a religion (    
free m5 & free wom54     ,,*apt] ,,xviii
  ,,dr9k       ',! ignorant commit s9s 9
 consequ5ce ( drunk5ness1 & also        
make o!rs drunk4'--,acceptance into !   
,monkhood4   ,! ,buddhi/ religion =bids 
! use ( all /imulants1 includ+ opium &  
o!r drugs2 & 9 ! times ( ! ,burmese rule
 ?is law 0 /r+5tly kept4 ,no "o 0 all[$ 
to make1 to sell1 or to consume1 liquors
 ( any description4 ,t ?is law 0 kept z 
firmly z x 0 0 due1 n to ! vigilance ( !
 (ficials1 b to ! g5]al feel+ ( ! p4 ,x 
0 a law spr++ f )91 & !re=e effectual2 n
 impos$ f )\t1 & useless4 ,t !re 7      
brea*es & evasions ( ! law is only      

natural4 ,! crav+ = "s /imulant among/  
all p is v great--s great z to h =c$    
itself to be ackn[l$g$ & regulat$ by mo/
 /ates1 & made a great s\rce ( rev5ue4  
,among/ ! ,burmans ! crav+ is1 ,i %\ld  
say1 z /rong z among/ o!r p2 & no m]e   
legal prohibition w\ld h _h mu* effect 9
 a c\ntry l ?is1 full ( jungle1 :]e     
palms gr[ 9 pr(usion1 & :]e little /ills
 might be set up any:]e to di/il _!     
juice4 ,b ! feel+s ( ! respectable p & !
 influ5ce ( ! monks is v great1 v /rong2
 & ! ,burmans 71 & 9 ,upp] ,burma1 :]e !
 old laws rema9 9 =ce1 are /ill1 an     
absolutely teetotal p4 ,no "o :o 0 9    
,upp] ,burma be=e & j aft] ! w> b kn[s  
h[ /rictly ! prohibition aga9/ liquor 0 
en=c$4 ,! pr9cipal (f5d]s aga9/ ! law 7 
! high (ficials1 because !y 7 above     
popul> rea*4 ,no bribe 0 s gratefully   
accept$ z "s :isky4 ,x 0 a sure /ep to  
safety 9 tr\ble4  ,a g5tleman--n an     
,engli%man--9 ! employ ( a company :o   
trad$ 9 ,upp] ,burma 9 ! k+'s "t told me
 lately a /ory ab\t ?is4  ,he liv$ 9 a  

t[n on ! ,irrawaddy1 :]e 0 a local      
gov]nor1 & ?is gov]nor _h a head cl]k4  
,?is head cl]k _h a wife1 & %e 01 ,i am 
told1 v beautiful4 ,i _c write sc&al1 & 
s w n repeat "h :at ,i h he>d ab\t ?is  
lady & ! m]*ant2 b "o day 8 ,burman     
s]vant ru%$ into 8 pres5ce & told him   
brea?lessly t ! bailiff ( ! gov]nor's   
c\rt 0 j ent]+ ! g>d5 ) a w>rant = 8    
arre/1 =1 let u say1 undue flirtation4  
,! m]*ant1 horrifi$ at ! prospect ( be+ 
lodg$ 9 gaol & put 9 /ocks1 fl$         
precipitately out ( ! back-gate & ga9$ !
 gov]nor's c\rt4 ,! gov]nor 0 9 session1
 seat$ on a little das1 & ! m]*ant ran 9
 & knelt d[n1 z is ! cu/om1 9 front ( ! 
das4 ,he began to hurri$ly address !    
gov]nor3  ',my "l1 my "l1 an unju/      
compla9t has be5 made aga9/ me4 ,someone
 has abus$ y\r ju/ice & caus$ a w>rant  
to be tak5 out aga9/ me4 ,i h j escap$ !
 bailiff1 & came to y\r hon\r =         
protection4 ,x is all a mi/ake4 ,i w    
expla94 ,i----'  ,b "h ! gov]nor        
int]pos$4 ,he b5t =w>d till 8 head 0    

close to ! m]*ant's head1 & :isp]$3     
',fri5d1 h y any :isky8'  ,! m]*ant gave
 a sigh ( relief4  ',a case newly arriv$
 is at y\r hon\r's disposal1' he answ]$ 
quickly4 ',i w give ord]s = x to be s5t 
ov] at once4 ,no1 two cases--,i h two4  
,& ?is *>ge is all a mi/ake4'  ,!       
gov]nor wav$ 8 h& z if all explanation 7
 sup]flu\s4 ,!n he drew himself up1 &1  
address+ ! (ficials & cr[d be=e him1    
said3  ',?is is my good fri5d4 ,let no  
"o t\* him4' ,& 9 an und]tone to !      
m]*ant3 ',s5d x soon4'  ,s ! m]*ant w5t 
home rejoic+1 & s5t ! :isky4 ,& ! lady8 
,well1 my /ory ends !re ) ! gov]nor & ! 
:isky4 ,no d\bt x 0 all a mi/ake ab\t ! 
lady1 z ! m]*ant said4 ,all (ficials 7 n
 s bad z ?is1 & _m (ficials 7 z /rongly 
aga9/ ! use ( liquor1 z urg5t 9 !       
ma9t5ance ( ! rules ( ! religion1 z !   
l[e/ peasant4  ,x 0 ! same ) opium3 its 
use 0 absolutely prohibit$4 ,( c\rse1   
,*9ese m]*ants manag$ to smuggle en\gh 9
 = _! own use1 b !y _h to bribe heavily 
to be able to d s1 & ! p rema9$         

uncontam9at$4 ',opium-eat]1' 'gambl]1'  
are ! two great t]ms ( reproa* &        
contempt4  ,x us$ to be a cu/om 9 !     
w>-"t--x has di$ out n[1 ,i ?9k--=      
(fic]s ( all k9ds to (f] to ,burmans :o 
came to see !m--(ficials1 ,i mean--a    
dr9k ( :isky or be] on p>t+1 j z y w\ld 
to an ,engli%man4 ,x 0 (t5 accept$4     
,burmans are1 z ,i h said1 v fond (     
liquor1 & an opportunity l ?is to       
indulge 9 a little =bidd5 dr9k1 "u !    
enc\ragem5t ( ! great ,engli% soldi] or 
(ficial1 0 too mu* = !m4 ,besides1 x    
w\ld h be5 a disc\rtesy to refuse4 ,& s 
x 0 g5]ally accept$4 ,i d n ?9k x did   
mu* h>m to anyone1 or to any?+1 except1 
p]haps1 to our reputation4  ,i rememb] 9
 #ahhg t ,i w5t up into a semi-indep5d5t
 /ate to see ! pr9ce4 ,i travell$ up )  
two ( 8 (ficials1 m5 :om ,i _h se5 a    
good deal ( = "s mon?s be=e1 z 8        
mess5g]s & spokesm51 ab\t affairs on !  
bord]4 ,we travell$ = ?ree days1 & came 
at la/ to :]e he _h pit*$ 8 camp 9 !    
=e/4 ,he _h built me a h\se1 too1 next  

to 8 camp1 :]e ,i put up4 ,i _h a long  
int]view ) him ab\t (ficial matt]s--,i  
ne$ n tell ( t "h--& aft] our bus9ess 0 
ov] we talk$ ( _m ?+s1 & at la/ ,i got  
up to take my leave4 ,i _h se5 t[>ds !  
end t ! pr9ce _h some?+ on 8 m9d1 some?+
 he want$ to say1 b 0 afraid1 or too %y1
 to m5tion2 & :5 ,i got up1 in/ead (    
mov+ away1 ,i laugh$ & said3  ',well1   
:at is x8 ,i ?9k !re is some?+ ! pr9ce  
wants to say be=e ,i g4'  ,& ! pr9ce    
smil$ back awkw>dly1 /ill desir\s to h 8
 say1 /ill cle>ly afraid to d s1 & at   
la/ x 0 8 wife :o spoke4  ',x is ab\t ! 
:isky1' %e said4 ',we "k t y dr9k x4 ,t 
is y\r own bus9ess4 ,we he>1 too1 t x is
 ! cu/om 9 ! "p ( ! c\ntry y h tak5 =   
,engli% (fic]s to give :isky & be] to   
(ficials :o come to see y--to our       
(ficials1' & %e look$ at ! m5 :o _h come
 up ) me1 & !y blu%$4 ',! pr9ce wi%es to
 ask y n to d x "h4 ,( c\rse1 9 y\r own 
c\ntry y d :at y l1 b 9 ! pr9ce's c\ntry
 no "o is all[$ to dr9k or to smoke     
opium4 ,x is aga9/ our fai?4 ,t is :at !

 pr9ce want$ to say4 ,! ?ak9 w n be     
(f5d$ if he is ask$ t "h 9 our c\ntry he
 w n tempt any ( u to break our         
religion4'  ,i almo/ wi%$ ,i _h n       
enc\rag$ ! pr9ce to speak4 ,i am afraid 
t ! emb>rassm5t pass$ ov] to my side4   
,:at c\ld ,i say b t ,i w\ld rememb]1 t 
,i 0 n (f5d$1 b w\ld be c>eful8 ,i _h   
be5 lectur+ ! pr9ce ab\t 8 %ortcom+s2 ,i
 _h be5 w>n+ him ( tr\ble to come1      
unless he m5d$ 8 ways2 ,i _h be5 tell+  
him wond]ful ?+s ( ,europe & our p[]4 ,i
 ?\ght t ,i _h produc$ an impression (  
sup]iority--,i 0 "y !n--b :5 ,i left ,i 
_h my d\bts :o x 0 t scor$ mo/ 9 t      
int]view4 ,h[ev]1 ,i h rememb]$ ev]     
s9ce4 ,i 0 n a frequ5t (f5d] be=e--,i h 
nev] (f]$ a ,burman liquor s9ce4        
,,*apt] ,,xix  ,,mann]s       ',n :]e   
o!rs fail1 or d1 or leave undone--! wise
 %\ld      notice :at himself has done1 
or left undone4'--,dammapada4   ,a      
rem>kable trait ( ! ,burmese "* is _!   
unwill+ness to int]f]e 9 o!r p's        
affairs4 ,:e!r x arises f _! religion ( 

self-culture or no1 ,i _c say1 b x is 9 
full keep+ ) x4 ,e man's acts & ?\ghts  
are 8 own affair1 ?9k ! ,burmans2 ea*   
man is free to g 8 own way1 to ?9k 8 own
 ?\ghts1 to act 8 own acts1 z long z he 
does n too mu* annoy 8 neighb\rs4 ,ea*  
man is responsible = himself & = himself
 alone1 & !re is no ne$ = him to try &  
be gu>dian also to 8 fell[s4 ,& s !     
,burman likes to g 8 own way1 to be a   
free man )9 c]ta9 limits2 & ! fre$om t  
he dem&s = himself1 he w ext5d also to 8
 neighb\rs4 ,he has a v great & wide    
tol]ance t[>ds all 8 neighb\rs1 n ?9k+ x
 necess>y to disapprove ( 8 neighb\rs'  
acts because !y may n be ! same z 8 own1
 nev] ?9k+ x necess>y to int]f]e ) 8    
neighb\rs z long z ! laws are n brok54  
,our ideas t :at habits are diff]5t to  
our habits mu/ be wrong1 & be+ wrong1   
require correction at our h&s1 is v f> f
 8 ?\ghts4 ,he nev] desires to int]f]e )
 anyone4 ,c]ta9 z he is t 8 own ideas   
are be/1 he is cont5t$ ) t k1 & is n    
ceaselessly desir\s ( prov+ x ^u o!r p4 

,& s a =eign] may g & live 9 a ,burman  
village1 may settle d[n !re & live 8 own
 life & foll[ 8 own cu/oms 9 p]fect     
fre$om1 may dress & eat & dr9k & pray & 
die z he likes4 ,no "o w int]f]e4 ,no "o
 w try & correct him2 no "o w be = ev]  
insi/+ to him t he is an outca/1 ei!r f 
civilization or f religion4 ,! p w      
accept him = :at he is1 & leave ! matt] 
!re4 ,if he likes to *ange 8 ways &     
con=m to ,burmese habits & ,buddhi/ =ms1
 s mu* ! bett]2 b if n1 nev] m9d4  ,x   
is1 ,i ?9k1 a great deal ow+ to ?is     
habit ( m9d t ! mann]s ( ! ,burmese are 
usually s good1 *ildr5 9 civilization z 
!y are4 ,!re is among/ !m no rude       
inquisitiv5ess & no desire to 9 any way 
circumscribe y\r fre$om1 by ei!r rem>k  
or act4 ,surely ( all ?+s t cause       
tr\ble1 no?+ is s common among/ u z !   
int]f]5ce ) ea* o!r's ways1 z ! ne$less 
giv+ ( advice4 ,x seems to ea* ( u t we 
are responsible1 n only = ourselves1 b  
also = ev]yone else ne> u2 & s if we    
disapprove ( any act1 we are always 9 a 

hurry to express our disapproval & to   
try & p]suade ! actor to our way ( ?9k+4
 ,we are = ev] ?9k+ ( o!rs & try+ to    
improve !m2 z a nation we try to co]ce  
weak] nations & to conv]t /rong] ones1 &
 z individuals we d ! same4 ,we are sure
 t o!r p _c b be bett] & happi] = be+   
br\ght into our ways ( ?9k+1 by =ce ev51
 if necess>y4 ,we call x philan?ropy4   
,b ! ,buddhi/ does n believe ?is at all4
 ,ea* man1 ea* nation1 has1 he ?9ks1    
en\gh to d manag+ 8 or its own affairs4 
,int]f]5ce1 any sort ( int]f]5ce1 he is 
sure c d no?+ b h>m4 ,y _c save a man4  
,he c save himself2 y c d no?+ = him4 ,y
 may =ce or p]suade him into an out]    
agreem5t ) y1 b :at is ! value ( t8 ,all
 dispositions t are good1 t are ( any   
value at all1 mu/ come spontane\sly f ! 
he>t ( man4 ,fir/1 he mu/ desire !m1 &  
!n /ruggle to obta9 !m2 by ?is means    
alone c any virtue be rea*$4 ,?is1 :i*  
is ! key ( 8 religion1 is ! key also ( 8
 private life4 ,ea* man is a free man to
 d :at he likes1 9 a way t we h nev]    

und]/ood4  ,ev5 "u ! rule ( ! ,burmese  
k+s !re 0 ! v wide/ tol]ance4 ,y nev]   
he>d ( a =eign] be+ mole/$ 9 any way1   
be+ =bidd5 to live z he lik$1 be+ =bidd5
 to erect 8 own places ( wor%ip4 ,he _h 
! wide/ fre$om1 z long z he infr+$ no   
law4 ,! ,burmese rule may n h be5 a good
 "o 9 _m ways1 b x 0 nev] guilty (      
p]secution1 ( any attempt at =cible     
conv]sion1 ( any desire to make su* an  
attempt4  ,?is tol]ance1 ?is incl9ation 
to let ea* man g 8 own way1 is          
conspicu\s ev5 d[n to ! little ev5ts (  
life4 ,x is v m>k$1 ev5 9 conv]sation1  
h[ little criticism is indulg$ 9 t[>ds  
ea* o!r1 h[ !re is an absolute abs5ce ( 
desire to proselytize ea* o!r 9 any way4
 ',x is 8 way1' !y w say1 ) a laugh1 (  
any peculi> act ( any p]son2 'x is 8    
way4 ,:at does x matt] to u8' ,( all !  
lovable qualities ( ! ,burmese1 & !y are
 _m1 !re are none great] ?an ^!--_!     
light-he>t$ness & _! tol]ance4  ,a      
,burman w always assume t y "k y\r own  
bus9ess1 & w leave y alone to d x4 ,h[  

great a boon ?is is ,i ?9k we h>dly c   
und]/&1 = we h none ( x4 ,& he c>ries x 
to an ext5t t sometimes surprises u4    
,suppose y are walk+ along a road & !re 
is a brok5 bridge on ! way1 a bridge t y
 might fall ?r\gh4 ,no "o w try & prev5t
 y go+4 ,any ,burman :o saw y g w1 if he
 ?9k at all ab\t x1 give y ! cr$it =    
kn[+ :at y are ab\t4 ,x w n ent] into 8 
head to g out ( 8 way to give y advice  
ab\t t bridge4 ,if y ask him he w help y
 all he c1 b he w n volunte]2 & s if y  
dep5d on volunte]$ advice1 y may fall   
?r\gh ! bridge & break y\r neck1 p]haps4
  ,at fir/ ?is sort ( ?+ seems to u to  
spr+ f laz9ess or f disc\rtesy4 ,x is j 
! rev]se ( ?is latt]2 x is excess (     
c\rtesy t assumes y to be aw>e ( :at y  
are ab\t1 & capable ( judg+ prop]ly4  ,y
 may get y\rself into all sorts (       
tr\ble1 & unless y call out no "o w     
assi/ y4 ,!y w suppose t if y require   
help y w soon ask = x4 ,y c\ld drift all
 ! way f ,bhamo to ,rangoon on a log1 & 
,i am sure no "o w\ld try to pick y up  

unless y %\t$ = help4 ,let anyone try to
 drift d[n f ,ox=d to ,ri*mond1 & he w  
be =cibly sav$ e mile ( 8 j\rney1 ,i am 
sure4 ,! ,burman boatm5 y pass$ w\ld    
only laugh & ask h[ y 7 gett+ on4 ,!    
,engli% boatman w\ld h y out ( t 9 a    
jiffy1 sav+ y despite y\rself4 ,y might 
commit suicide 9 ,burma1 & no "o w\ld   
/op y4 ',x is y\r own look-out1' !y w\ld
 say2 'if y want to die :y %\ld we      
prev5t y8 ,:at bus9ess is x ( ours8'    
,nev] believe = a mom5t t ?is is        
cold-he>t$ness4 ,n[h]e is !re any man s 
k9d-he>t$ z a ,burman1 s ready to help  
y1 s hospitable1 s *>itable bo? 9 act & 
?\ght4  ,x is only t he has ano!r way ( 
see+ ^! ?+s to :at we h4 ,he w\ld res5t 
z ! wor/ disc\rtesy t :i* we call hav+ a
 fri5dly int]e/ 9 ea* o!r's do+s4       
,volunte]$ advice comes1 s he ?9ks1 f   
pure self-conceit1 & is intol]able2 help
 t he has n ask$ = conveys ! assumption 
t he is a fool1 & ! help] ev] s mu* wis]
 ?an he4 ,x is 9 8 eyes simply a =m (   
self-ass]tion1 an attempt at gov]n+ o!r 

p1 an infr+em5t ( good mann]s n to be   
borne4  ,ea* man is responsible =       
himself1 ea* man is ! mak] ( himself4   
,only he c d himself good by good ?\ght1
 by good acts2 only he c hurt himself by
 evil int5tions & de$s4 ,!re=e 9 y\r    
int]c\rse ) o!rs rememb] always y\rself1
 rememb] t no "o c injure y b y\rself2  
be c>eful1 !re=e1 ( y\r acts = y\r own  
sake4 ,= if y lose y\r temp]1 :o is !   
suff]]8 ,y\rself2 no "o b y\rself4 ,if y
 are guilty ( disgraceful acts1 (       
disc\rte\s words1 :o suff]s8 ,y\rself4  
,rememb] t2 rememb] t c\rtesy & good    
temp] are due f y to ev]yone4 ,:at does 
x matt] :o ! o!r p]son be8 y %\ld be    
c\rte\s to him1 n because he des]ves x1 
b because y des]ve x4 ,c\rtesy is       
measur$ by ! giv]1 n by ! receiv]4 ,we  
are apt sometimes to ?9k t ?is cont9ual 
c>e ( self is selfi%ness2 x is ! v      
rev]se4 ,self-rev]5ce is ! antipode (   
self-conceit1 ( selfi%ness4 ,if y hon\r 
y\rself1 y w be c>eful t no?+           
di%on\rable %all come f y4              

',self-rev]5ce1 self-k1 self-control2'  
we1 too1 h _h a poet :o taught ?is4  ,& 
s dignity ( mann] is v m>k$ among/ ?is  
p4 ,x is cultivat$ z a gift1 z ! outw>d 
sign ( a good he>t4  ',a r\gh diamond2' 
no ,burman w\ld und]/& ?is say+4 ,!     
value ( a diamond is t x c be poli%$4 ,z
 long z x rema9s 9 ! r\gh1 x has no m   
beauty ?an a lump ( mud4 ,if y\r he>t be
 good1 s1 too1 w be y\r mann]s4 ,a good 
tree w br+ =? good fruit4 ,if ! fruit be
 rott51 c ! tree be good8 ,n s4 ,if y\r 
mann]s are bad1 s1 too1 is y\r he>t4 ,to
 be c\rte\s1 ev5 temp]$1 to be tol]ant &
 full ( sympa?y1 ^! are ! pro(s ( an    
inw>d goodness4 ,y _c h "o )\t ! o!r4   
,outw>d appe>ances are n deceptive1 b   
are true4  ,!re=e !y /rive aft] ev5     
temp]4 ,hot-temp]$ z !y are1 easily     
ar\s$ to wra?1 easily awak5$ to         
pleasure1 m5 ) ! passions ( a *ild1 !y h
 v great comm& ov] !mselves4 ,!y are    
a%am$ ( los+ _! temp]2 !y look ^u x z a 
disgrace4 ,we are (t5 pr\d ( x2 we ?9k  
sometimes we d well to be angry4  ,s !y 

are v pati5t1 v long-suff]+1 accept+ )  
resignation ! tr\bles ( ?is _w1 ! kicks 
& spurns ( =tune1 secure 9 ?is1 t ea*   
man's self is 9 8 own keep+4 ,if !re be 
tr\ble = to-day1 :at c x matt] if y d b 
comm& y\rself8 ,if o!rs be disc\rte\s to
 y1 t _c hurt y1 if y d n all[ y\rself  
to be disc\rte\s 9 return4 ,take c>e (  
y\r own s\l1 sure t 9 ! end y w w91 ei!r
 9 ?is life or 9 "s o!r1 t :i* y des]ve4
 ,:at y h made y\r s\l fit =1 t y w     
obta91 soon] or lat]1 :e!r x be evil or 
:e!r x be good4 ,! law ( righte\sness is
 = ev] ?is1 t :at a man des]ves t he w  
obta94 ,& 9 ! end1 if y cultivate y\r   
s\l ) unwe>y+ pati5ce1 /riv+ always aft]
 :at is good1 purify+ y\rself f ! lu/ ( 
life1 y w come unto t lake :]e all      
desire %all be wa%$ away4     ,,*apt]   
,,xx  ',,noblesse ,,oblige'             
',soon] %all ! cleft rock reunite s z to
 make a :ole1 ?an      may he :o kills  
any liv+ be+ be admitt$ into our        
society4'--,acceptance into ! ,monkhood4
   ,x is v noticeable ?r\gh\t ! baza>s (

 ,burma t all ! beef but*]s are natives 
( ,india4 ,no ,burman w kill a c[ or a  
bullock1 & no ,burman w sell its meat4  
,x is o!rwise ) pork & f[ls4 ,burmans   
may sometimes be f\nd sell+ ^!2 & fi%   
are almo/ inv>iably sold by ! wives ( ! 
fi%]m54 ,dur+ ! k+'s "t1 any man :o 0   
ev5 f\nd 9 possession ( beef 0 liable to
 v sev]e puni%m5t4 ,! only exception1 z 
,i h expla9$ else:]e1 0 9 ! case ( !    
que5 :5 expect+ an addition to h]       
family1 & x 0 necess>y t %e %\ld be     
/r5g!n$ 9 all ways4 ,none1 n ev5        
=eign]s1 7 all[$ to kill beef1 & ?is law
 0 v /r+5tly obs]v$4 ,o!r fle% & fi%    
might1 z f> z ! law ( ! c\ntry w5t1 be  
sold ) impunity4 ,y c\ld n be f9$ =     
kill+ & eat+ goats1 or f[ls1 or pigs1 & 
^! 7 sold occasionally4 ,x is n[ t5 ye>s
 s9ce ,k+ ,?ibaw 0 ov]?r[n1 & !re is n[ 
no law aga9/ ! sale ( beef4 ,& yet1 z ,i
 h said1 no respectable ,burman w ev5 n[
 kill or sell beef4 ,! law 0 f\nd$ on ! 
beliefs ( ! p1 & ?\gh ! law is dead1 !  
beliefs rema94  ,x is true t ! tak+ (   

life is aga9/ ,buddhi/ comm&s4 ,no life 
at all may be tak5 by him :o adh]es to  
,buddhi/ic tea*+4 ,nei!r = sport1 nor = 
rev5ge1 nor = food1 may any animal be   
depriv$ ( ! brea? t is 9 x4 ,& ?is is a 
comm& wond]fully well kept4 ,!re are a  
few exceptions1 b !y are kn[n & accept$ 
z brea*es ( ! law1 = ! law itself kn[s  
no exceptions4 ,fi%1 z ,i h said1 c be  
obta9$ almo/ ev]y:]e4 ,!y are caught 9  
great quantities 9 ! riv]1 & are sold 9 
mo/ baza>s1 ei!r fre% or salt$4 ,x is "o
 ( ! /aple foods ( ! ,burmese4 ,b al?\gh
 !y w eat fi%1 !y despise ! fi%]man4 ,n 
s mu*1 p]haps1 z if he kill$ o!r liv+   
?+s1 b /ill1 ! fi%]man is an outca/ f   
dec5t society4 ,he w h to suff] great & 
t]rible puni%m5t be=e he c be cleans$ f 
! s9s t he daily commits4 ,not)/&+ ?is1 
!re are _m fi%]m5 9 ,burma4  ,a fi% is a
 v cold-blood$ bea/4 ,"o mu/ be v h>d up
 = some?+ to love to h any affection to 
sp>e ^u fi%es4 ,!y _c be1 or at all     
ev5ts !y nev] are1 dome/icat$1 & mo/ (  
!m are n beautiful4 ,i am n aw>e t !y h 

ev] be5 kn[n to display any atta*m5t to 
anyone1 :i* acc\nts1 p]haps1 = !        
comp>atively l5i5t eye ) :i* _!         
de/ruction is contemplat$4  ,= )        
w>m-blood$ animals x is v diff]5t4      
,cattle1 z ,i h said1 c nev] be kill$   
nor _! meat sold by a ,burman1 & ) o!r  
animals ! difficulty is n mu* less4  ,i 
0 9 ,upp] ,burma = "s mon?s be=e ! w>1 &
 _m a "t ,i c\ld get no meat at all4    
,liv+ 9 a l>ge t[n among prosp]\s p1 ,i 
c\ld get no fle% at all1 only fi% & rice
 & vegetables4 ,:51 aft] mu* tr\ble1 my 
,indian cook w\ld get me a few f[ls1 he 
w\ld (t5 be waylaid & =c$ to release !m4
 ,an old woman1 say1 anxi\s to d "s de$ 
( m]it1 w\ld come to him z he return$   
triumphantly home ) 8 f[ls & t5d] him   
money1 & beg him to release ! f[ls4 ,%e 
w\ld give ! full price or d\ble ! price 
( ! f[ls2 %e _h no desire to ga9 m]it at
 ano!r p]son's exp5se1 & ! unwill+ cook 
w\ld be oblig$ to give up ! f[ls4       
,public op9ion 0 s /rong he d>e n       
refuse4 ,! money 0 paid1 ! f[ls set     

free1 & ,i d9$ on t9n$ beef4  ,& yet !  
villages are full ( f[ls4 ,:y !y are    
kept ,i d n "k4 ,c]ta9ly n = food4 ,i d 
n mean to say t an accid5tal meet+      
betwe5 a rock & a f[l may n occasionally
 furni% =? a d9n]1 b ?is is n ! object )
 :i* !y are kept--( ?is ,i am sure4  ,y 
w\ld n suppose t f[ls 7 capable ( excit+
 mu* affection1 yet ,i suppose !y are4  
,c]ta9ly 9 "o case ducks 74 ,!re is a   
,burman lady ,i "k :o is m>ri$ to an    
,engli%man4 ,he kept ducks4 ,he b\ght a 
numb] ( duckl+s1 & _h !m f$ up s t !y   
might be fat & succul5t :5 ! "t came =  
!m to be s]v$ at table4 ,!y became v f9e
 ducks1 & my fri5d _h promis$ me "o4 ,i 
took an int]e/ 9 !m1 & always notic$ _! 
increas+ fatness :5 ,i rode t way4      
,imag9e1 !n1 my disappo9tm5t :5 "o day  
,i saw t all ! ducks _h disappe>$4  ,i  
/opp$ to inquire4 ,yes1 truly !y 7 all  
gone1 my fri5d told me4 ,9 8 abs5ce 8   
wife _h gone up ! riv] to visit "s      
fri5ds1 & _h tak5 ! ducks ) h]4 ,%e c\ld
 n be>1 %e said1 t !y %\ld be kill$1 s  

%e took !m away & di/ribut$ !m among h] 
fri5ds1 "o "h & "o !re1 :]e %e 0 sure !y
 w\ld be well treat$ & n kill$4 ,:5 %e  
return$ %e 0 q pleas$ at h] success1 &  
laugh$ at h] husb& & me4  ,?is same lady
 0 always t]ribly di/ress$ :5 %e _h to  
ord] a f[l to be kill$ = h] husb&'s     
breakfa/1 ev5 if %e _h nev] se5 x be=e4 
,i h se5 h]1 aft] tell+ ! cook to kill a
 f[l = breakfa/1 run away & sit d[n 9 ! 
v]&a ) h] h&s ov] h] e>s1 & h] face ! v 
picture ( mis]y1 fe>+ le/ %e %\ld he>   
its %rieks4 ,i ?9k t ?is 0 ! "o great   
tr\ble to h] 9 h] m>riage1 t h] husb&   
w\ld insi/ on eat+ f[ls & ducks1 & t %e 
_h to ord] !m to be kill$4  ,z %e is1 s 
are mo/ ,burmans4 ,if !re is all ?is    
tr\ble ab\t f[ls1 x c be imag9$ h[ !    
tr\ble increases :5 x comes to goats or 
any l>g] bea/s4 ,9 ! jungle villages    
meat ( any k9d at all is nev] se53 no   
animals ( any k9d are all[$ to be kill$4
 ,an (fic] travell+ 9 ! di/rict w\ld be 
r$uc$ to :at he c\ld c>ry ) him1 if x 7 
n = an ,act ( ,gov]nm5t oblig+ villages 

to furni%--on paym5t1 ( c\rse--supplies 
= (fic]s & troops pass+ ?r\gh4 ,! m]e   
fact ( su* a law be+ necess>y is        
suffici5t pro( ( ! /r5g? ( ! feel+ aga9/
 tak+ life4  ,( c\rse1 all %oot+1 ei!r =
 sport or = food1 is look$ ^u z         
disgraceful4 ,9 _m jungle villages :]e  
de] ab\nd !re are "o or two hunt]s :o   
make a liv+ by hunt+4 ,b !y are disgrac$
 m54 ,!y are worse ?an fi%]m51 & !y w h 
a t]rible p5alty to pay = x all4 ,x w   
take mu* suff]+ to wa% f _! s\ls !      
cruelty1 ! blood-?ir/9ess1 ! c>elessness
 to suff]+1 ! abs5ce ( compassion1 t    
hunt+ mu/ produce4 ',is !re no food 9 ! 
baza>1 t y mu/ g & take ! lives (       
animals8' has be5 said to me _m a "t4 ,&
 :5 my h\se-ro( 0 infe/$ by sp>r[s1 :o  
dropp$ grass & eggs all ov] my rooms1 s 
t ,i 0 oblig$ to %oot !m ) a little     
rifle1 ?is 0 no excuse4 ',y %\ld h built
 a sp>r[-cote1' !y told me4 ',if y _h   
built a sp>r[-cote1 !y w\ld h gone away 
& left y 9 peace4 ,!y only want$ to make
 ne/s & lay eggs & h little ones1 & y   

w5t & %ot !m4' ,!re are _m sp>r[-cotes  
to be se5 9 ! villages4  ,i might give  
example aft] example ( ?is sort1 = !y   
happ5 e day4 ,we :o are meat-eat]s1 :o  
delight 9 %oot+1 :o h a horror ( insects
 & reptiles1 are cont9ually com+ into   
collision ) ! pr9ciples ( our neighb\rs2
 = ev5 h>mful reptiles !y d n c>e to    
kill4 ,truly ,i believe x is a my?1 !   
/ory ( ! ,burmese "m c\rte\sly escort+  
out ( ! h\se ! scorpion :i* _h j bitt5  
h] baby4 ,a ,burmese "m wor%ips h] baby 
z mu* z ! woman ( any o!r nation does1 &
 ,i believe !re is no crime %e w\ld n   
commit 9 its behalf4 ,b if %e saw a     
scorpion walk+ ab\t 9 ! fields1 %e w\ld 
n kill x z we %\ld4 ,%e w\ld /ep aside &
 pass on4 ',poor bea/6' %e w\ld say1 ':y
 %\ld ,i hurt x8 ,x nev] hurt me4'  ,!  
,burman nev] kills insects out ( %e]    
brutality4 ,if a beetle drone annoy+ly1 
he w cat* x 9 a h&k]*ief & put x        
outside1 & s ) a bee4 ,x is a great     
tr\ble (t5 to get y\r ,burmese s]vants  
to keep y\r h\se free ( ants & o!r      

annoy+ creatures4 ,if y tell !m to kill 
! insects !y w1 = 9 t case ! s9 falls on
 y4 ,)\t special ord]s !y w\ld r leave !
 ants alone4  ,9 ! di/rict 9 :i* ,i am  
n[ liv+ snakes are v pl5tiful4 ,!re are 
cobras & k]aits1 b ! mo/ dread$ is !    
,russell's vip]4 ,he is a snake t       
av]ages f ?ree to f\r feet long1 & is v 
?ick1 ) a big head & a /umpy tail4 ,8   
body is m>k$ v prettily ) spots & blurs 
( light on a d>k1 grayi% gre51 & he is s
 l ! %ad[s ( ! grass & we$s 9 a du/y    
road1 t y c walk on him q unsuspect+ly4 
,!n he w bite y1 & y die4 ,he comes out 
usually 9 ! ev5+ be=e d>k1 & lies ab\t  
on footpa?s to cat* ! home-com+ pl\ghman
 or reap]1 &1 contr>y to ! cu/om ( o!r  
snakes1 he w n flee on he>+ a foot/ep4  
,:5 anyone approa*es he lies m /ill ?an 
ev]1 n ev5 a movem5t ( 8 head betray+   
him4 ,he is s l ! col\r ( ! gr\nd1 he   
hopes he w be pass$ unse52 & he is sl[ &
 le?>gic 9 8 movem5ts1 & s is easy to   
kill :5 once detect$4 ,z a ,burman said1
 ',if he sees y fir/1 he kills y2 if y  

see him fir/1 y kill him4'  ,9 ?is      
di/rict no ,burman hesitates a mom5t 9  
kill+ a vip] :5 he has ! *ance4 ,usually
 he has to d x 9 self-def5ce4 ,?is vip] 
is t]ribly fe>$1 z ov] a hundr$ p]sons a
 ye> die "h by 8 bite4 ,he is s hat$ &  
fe>$ t he has become an outca/ f ! law t
 protects all life4  ,b ) o!r snakes x  
is n s4 ,!re is ! hamadryad1 = in/ance4 
,he is a great snake ab\t t5 to f\rte5  
feet long1 & he is ! only snake t w     
attack y fir/4 ,he is said always to d  
s1 c]ta9ly he (t5 does4 ,"o attack$ me  
once :5 out quail-%oot+4 ,he put up 8   
great neck & head sudd5ly at a di/ance (
 only five or six feet1 & 0 j prep>+ to 
/rike1 :5 ,i lit]ally blew 8 head (f )  
two *>ges ( %ot4  ,y w\ld suppose he 0  
vici\s en\gh to be includ$ ) !          
,russell's vip] 9 ! category ( !        
exceptions1 b no4 ,p]haps he is too r>e 
to excite su* fi]ce & deadly hate z     
makes ! ,burman =get 8 law & kill !     
vip]4 ,h[ev] x may be1 ! ,burman is n   
ready to kill ! hamadryad4 ,a few weeks 

ago a fri5d ( m9e & myself came across  
two little ,burman boys c>ry+ a j> ) a  
piece ( brok5 tile ov] x4 ,! lads kept  
lift+ up ! tile & peep+ 91 & !n putt+ ! 
tile on aga9 9 a great hurry1 & _!      
actions excit$ our curiosity4 ,s we     
call$ !m to come to u1 & we look$ into !
 j>4 ,x 0 full ( baby hamadryads4 ,!    
lads _h f\nd a ne/ ( !m 9 ! abs5ce ( !  
"m1 :o w\ld h kill$ !m if %e _h be5 !re1
 & _h secur$ all ! little snakes4 ,!re 7
 sev5 ( !m4  ,we ask$ ! boys :at !y     
int5d$ to d ) ! snakes1 & !y answ]$ t !y
 w\ld %[ !m to _! fri5ds 9 ! village4   
',& !n8' we ask$4 ,& !n !y w\ld let !m g
 9 ! wat]4 ,my fri5d kill$ all !        
hamadryads on ! spot1 & gave ! boys "s  
copp]s1 & we w5t on4 ,c y imag9e ?is    
happ5+ any:]e else8 ,c y ?9k ( any o!r  
s*oolboys sp>+ any animal !y caught1 mu*
 less poison\s snakes8 ,! extraord9>y   
hold t ?is t5et ( _! religion has ^u !  
,burmese mu/ be se5 to be und]/ood4 ,:at
 ,i write w s\nd l "s fairy /ory1 ,i    
fe>1 to my p at home4 ,x is f> b5ea? !  

tru?4 ,! belief t x is wrong to take    
life is a belief ) !m z /rong z any     
belief c\ld be4 ,i d n "k any:]e any    
comm&1 e>?ly or heav5ly1 t is act$ up to
 ) su* e>ne/ness z ?is comm& is among/ !
 ,burmese4 ,x is an abid+ pr9ciple ( _! 
daily life4  ,:]e ! comm& came f ,i d n 
"k4 ,i _c f9d any allusion to x 9 ! life
 ( ! great tea*]4 ,we "k t he ate meat4 
,x seems to me t x is old] ev5 ?an he4  
,x has be5 d]iv$ bo? by ! ,burmese      
,buddhi/s & ! ,h9dus f a fai? ^: orig9  
is hidd5 9 ! mi/s ( long ago4 ,x is "p (
 t f> old] fai? on :i* ,buddhism 0      
built1 z 0 ,*ri/ianity on ,judaism4  ,b 
if n "p ( 8 tea*+--& ?\gh x is includ$ 9
 ! sacr$ books1 we d n "k h[ mu* ( !m   
are d]iv$ f ! ,buddha himself--x is 9   
/rict accordance ) all 8 tea*+4 ,t is "o
 ( ! mo/ wond]ful po9ts ( ,buddhism1 x  
is all 9 accordance2 !re are no         
exceptions4  ,i h he>d among/ ,europeans
 a v curi\s explanation ( ?is refusal ( 
,buddhi/s to take life4 ',buddhi/s1' !y 
say1 'believe 9 ! transmigration ( s\ls4

 ,!y believe t :5 a man dies 8 s\l may g
 into a bea/4 ,y c\ld n expect him to   
kill a bull1 :5 p]*ance 8 gr&fa!r's s\l 
might inhabit !re4' ,?is is _!          
explanation1 ?is is ! way !y put two &  
two toge!r to make five4 ,!y "k t       
,buddhi/s believe 9 transmigration1 !y  
"k t ,buddhi/s d n l to take life1 &    
!re=e "o is ! cause ( ! o!r4  ,i h      
m5tion$ ?is explanation to ,burmans :ile
 talk+ ( ! subject1 & !y h always laugh$
 at x4 ,!y _h nev] he>d ( x be=e4 ,x is 
true t x is "p ( _! great !ory ( life t 
! s\ls ( m5 h ris5 f be+ s\ls ( bea/s1 &
 t we may s relapse if we are n c>eful4 
,_m /ories are told ( cases t h occurr$ 
:]e a man has be5 re9c>nat$ z an animal1
 & :]e :at is n[ ! s\l ( a man us$ to   
live 9 a bea/4 ,b t makes no diff]5ce4  
,:atev] a man may h be51 or may be1 he  
is a man n[2 :atev] a bea/ may h be51 he
 is a bea/ n[4 ,nev] suppose t a ,burman
 has any o!r idea ?an ?is4 ,to him m5   
are m51 & animals are animals1 & m5 are 
f> ! high]4 ,b he does n d$uce f ?is t  

man's sup]iority gives him p]mission to 
illtreat or to kill animals4 ,x is j !  
rev]se4 ,x is because man is s mu* high]
 ?an ! animal t he c & mu/ obs]ve t[>ds 
animals ! v greate/ c>e1 feel = !m ! v  
greate/ compassion1 be good to !m 9 e   
way he c4 ,! ,burman's motto %\ld be    
,noblesse oblige2 he kn[s ! mean+1 if he
 kn[s n ! words4  ,= ! ,burman's        
compassion t[>ds animals goes v mu* f>!r
 ?an a m]e reluctance to kill !m4       
,al?\gh he has no comm& on ! subject1 x 
seems to him q z important to treat     
animals well dur+ _! lives z to refra9 f
 tak+ ^? lives4 ,8 refusal to take life 
he %>es ) ! ,h9du2 8 p]petual c>e &     
t5d]ness to all liv+ creatures is all 8 
own4 ,& "h ,i may m5tion a v curi\s     
contra/1 t :]eas 9 ,india ! ,h9du w n   
take life & ! ,mussulman w1 yet !       
,mussulman is by reputation f> k9d] to 8
 bea/s ?an ! ,h9du4 ,"h ! ,burman       
comb9es bo? qualities4 ,he has all !    
k9dness to animals t ! ,mahomm$an has1 &
 m1 & he has ! same horror ( tak+ life t

 ! ,h9du has4  ,com+ f half-/>v$1       
ov]-driv5 ,india1 x is a revelation to  
see ! animals 9 ,burma4 ,! village      
ponies & cattle & dogs 9 ,india are     
en\gh to make ! he>t ble$ = _! sordid   
mis]y1 b 9 ,burma !y are a delight to ! 
eye4 ,!y are all fat1 e "o ( !m--fat &  
com=table & imp]t95t2 ev5 ! own]less    
dogs are well f$4 ,i suppose !          
indiff]5ce ( ! ord9>y native ( ,india to
 animal suff]+ comes f ! evil ( 8 own   
lot4 ,he is s v poor1 he has su* h>d "w 
to f9d en\gh = himself & 8 *ildr51 t 8  
sympa?y is all us$ up4 ,he has none to  
sp>e4 ,he is driv5 into a dumb          
he>tlessness1 = ,i d n ?9k he is        
actually cruel4  ,! ,burman is full ( ! 
greate/ sympa?y t[>ds animals ( all     
k9ds1 ( ! greate/ und]/&+ ( _! ways1 ( !
 mo/ humor\sly good-natur$ attitude     
t[>ds !m4 ,look+ at !m f 8 manhood1 he  
has no contempt = !m2 b ! g5tle         
tol]ation ( a fa!r to v little *ildr5 :o
 are /upid & tr\blesome (t51 b are v    
lovable4 ,he feels himself s f> above !m

 t he c condesc5d t[>ds !m1 & =be> ) !m4
  ,8 ponies are pictures ( fatness &    
imp]t95ce & g4 ,!y nev] h any vice      
because ! ,burman is nev] cruel to !m2  
!y are nev] well tra9$1 p>tly because he
 does n "k h[ to tra9 !m1 p>tly because 
!y are s ne> ! aborig9al wild pony z to 
be incapable ( v mu* tra9+4 ,b !y are   
will+2 !y w g = ev]1 & are v /rong1 & !y
 h admirable con/itutions & temp]s4 ,y  
c\ld n make a ,burman ill-use 8 pony if 
y tri$1 & ,i fancy t to break ^! little 
half-wild ponies to g 9 cabs 9 cr[d$    
/reets requires sev]e treatm5t4 ,at     
lea/1 ,i nev] knew b "o hackney-c>riage 
driv] ei!r 9 ,rangoon or ,m&alay :o 0 a 
,burman1 & he v soon gave x up4 ,he said
 t ! "w 0 too heavy ei!r = a pony or a  
man4 ,i ?9k1 p]haps1 x 0 = ! safety ( ! 
public t he resign$1 = 8 ponies 7 ! v   
rev]se ( meek--:i* a native ( ,india    
says a hackney-c>riage pony %\ld be--&  
he drove entirely by ! light ( ,nature4 
,s all ! driv]s ( gh>ries1 z we call !m1
 are natives ( ,india or half-bre$s1 & x

 is among/ !m t ! "w ( ! ,society = !   
,prev5tion ( ,cruelty to ,animals       
pr9cipally lies4 ,:ile ,i 0 9 ,rangoon  
,i tri$ a numb] ( cases ( ov]-driv+1 (  
us+ ponies ) sore )]s & ! l4 ,i nev]    
tri$ a ,burman4 ,ev5 9 ,rangoon1 :i* has
 become almo/ ,indianiz$1 8 natural     
humanity nev] left ! ,burman4 ,z f> z   
,burmans are conc]n$1 ! ,society = !    
,prev5tion ( ,cruelty to ,animals ne$ n 
exi/4 ,!y are k9d] to _! animals ?an ev5
 ! memb]s ( ! ,society c\ld be4         
,in/ances occur e day2 "h is "o ( ! mo/ 
/rik+ t ,i rememb]4  ,!re is a t[n 9    
,burma :]e !re are "s troops /ation$1 & 
:i* is ! headqu>t]s ( ! civil           
adm9i/ration ( ! di/rict4 ,x is1 or 0   
!n1 "s di/ance f a railway-/ation1 & x 0
 necess>y to make "s arrangem5t = !     
c>riage ( ! mails to & f ! t[n & /ation4
 ,! ,po/-,(fice call$ = t5d]s1 & at l5g?
 x 0 arrang$ ?r\gh ! civil au?orities t 
a coa* %\ld run once a day ea* way to   
c>ry ! mails & pass5g]s4 ,a native (    
,india agre$ to take ! contract--=      

,burmans seldom or nev] c>e to take     
!m--& he 0 to comply ) c]ta9 conditions 
& receive a c]ta9 subsidy4  ,!re 0 a    
great deal ( traffic betwe5 ! t[n &     
/ation1 & x 0 suppos$ t ! pass5g]       
traffic w\ld pay ! contractor well1 ap>t
 f 8 mail subsidy4 ,= ,burmans are      
always free ) _! money1 & ! road 0 long 
& hot & du/y4 ,i (t5 pass$ t coa* z ,i  
rode4 ,i notic$ t ! ponies 7 poor1 v    
poor1 & 7 driv5 a little h>d1 b ,i saw  
no reason = int]f]5ce4 ,x did n seem to 
me t any cruelty 0 committ$1 nor t !    
ponies 7 actually unfit to be driv54 ,i 
notic$ t ! driv] us$ 8 :ip a good deal1 
b !n "s ponies require ! :ip4 ,i nev]   
?\ght mu* ab\t x1 z ,i always rode my   
own ponies1 & !y always %i$ at ! coa*1 b
 ,i %\ld h notic$ if !re _h be5 any?+   
rem>kable4 ,t[>ds ! end ( ! ye> x became
 necess>y to r5ew ! contract1 & !       
contractor 0 approa*$ on ! subject4 ,he 
said he 0 will+ to cont9ue ! contract = 
ano!r ye> if ! mail subsidy 0 l>gely    
increas$4 ,he said he _h lo/ money on t 

ye>'s work+4 ,:5 ask$ h[ he c\ld        
possibly h lo/ consid]+ ! l>ge numb] ( p
 :o 7 always pass+ up & d[n1 he said t  
!y did n ride 9 8 coa*4 ,only !         
,european soldi]s & a few natives (     
,india came ) him4 ,(fic]s _h _! own    
ponies & rode1 & ! ,burmans ei!r hir$ a 
bullock-c>t or walk$4 ,!y h>dly ev] came
 9 8 coa*1 b he c\ld n say :at ! reason 
might be4  ,s an inquiry 0 made1 & !    
,burmese 7 ask$ :y !y did n ride on !   
coa*4 ,7 ! f>es too high8--0 x          
uncom=table8 ,b no1 x 0 = nei!r ( ^!    
reasons t !y left ! coa* to ! soldi]s & 
natives ( ,india4 ,x 0 because ( !      
ponies4 ,no ,burman w\ld c>e to ride    
beh9d ponies :o 7 treat$ z ^! ponies    
7--half f$1 ov]driv51 :ipp$4 ,x 0 a     
mis]y to see !m2 x 0 twice a mis]y to   
drive beh9d !m4 ',poor bea/s6' !y said2 
'y c see _! ribs1 & :5 !y come to ! end 
( a /age !y are fit to fall d[n & die4  
,!y %\ld be turn$ out to graze4'  ,!    
op9ion 0 univ]sal4 ,! ,burmans pref]r$  
to sp5d twice or ?rice ! money & hire a 

bullock-c>t & g sl[ly1 :ile ! coa* fla%$
 pa/ !m 9 a :irl ( du/1 or !y pref]r$ to
 walk4 ,_m & _m times h ,i se5 !        
roadside re/-h\ses full ( travell]s     
halt+ = a few m9utes' re/4 ,!y walk$    
:ile ! coa* came by empty2 & ne>ly all (
 !m c\ld h af=d$ ! f>e4 ,x 0 a v /rik+  
in/ance ( :at pure k9d-he>t$ness w d1 = 
!re w\ld h be5 no religi\s comm& brok5  
by go+ 9 ! coa*4 ,x 0 ! pure influ5ce ( 
compassion t[>ds ! bea/s & refusal to be
 a p>ty to su* h>d-he>t$ness4 ,& yet1 z 
,i h said1 ,i d n ?9k ! law c\ld h      
int]f]$ ) success4 ,surely a p :o c\ld  
act l ?is h ! v s\l ( religion 9 _!     
he>ts1 al?\gh ! act 0 n done 9 ! "n (   
religion4  ,all ! animals--! cattle1 !  
ponies1 & ! buffaloes--are s tame t x is
 almo/ an unkn[n ?+ = anyone to get     
hurt4  ,! cattle are sometimes afraid ( 
! :ite face & /range attire ( a         
,european1 b y c walk ?r\gh ! h]ds z !y 
come home 9 ! ev5+ ) p]fect confid5ce t 
!y w n hurt y4 ,ev5 a c[ ) a "y calf w  
only eye y suspici\sly2 & ) ! ,burmans  

ev5 ! huge wat] buffaloes are absolutely
 tame4 ,y c see a h]d ( ^! great bea/s1 
) horns six feet across1 come along "u !
 comm& ( a v small boy or girl p]*$ on  
"o ( _! broad backs4 ,he fl\ri%es a     
little /ick1 & issues 8 comm&s l a      
g5]al4 ,x is "o ( ! qua9te/ imag9able   
sights to see ?is little fell[ get (f 8 
/e$1 run aft] a /raggl]1 & beat him ) 8 
/ick4 ,! buffalo eyes 8 ma/]1 :om he    
c\ld aboli% ) "o %ake ( 8 head1         
submissively1 & takes ! beat+1 :i* he   
probably feels ab\t z mu* z if a /raw   
fell on him1 good-hum\r$ly4 ,! *ildr5   
nev] seem to come to grief4 ,buffaloes  
occasionally *>ge ,europeans1 b ! only  
place :]e ,i h kn[n ( ,burmans be+ kill$
 by buffaloes is 9 ! ,kal ,valley4 ,!re 
! buffaloes are turn$ out into ! jungle 
= eight mon?s 9 ! ye>1 & are only caught
 = pl\gh+ & c>t+4 ,naturally !y are q   
wild2 9 fact1 _m ( !m are ! (fspr+ (    
wild bulls4  ,! ,burmans1 too1 are v    
fond ( dogs4 ,_! villages are full (    
dogs2 b1 z f> z ,i "k1 !y nev] use !m = 

any?+1 & !y are nev] tra9$ to d any?+4  
,!y are suppos$ to be useful z          
wat*-dogs1 b ,i d n ?9k !y are v good   
ev5 at t4 ,i h surr\nd$ a village be=e  
dawn1 & nev] a dog b>k$1 & ,i h he>d !m 
b>k all night at no?+4  ,b :5 a ,burman 
sees a fox-t]ri] or any ,engli% dog 8   
delight is unfeign$4 ,:5 we fir/ took   
,upp] ,burma1 & su* sights 7 r>e1 half a
 village w\ld turn out to see ! little  
'tail-less' dog trott+ along aft] its   
ma/]4 ,& if ! t]ri] w\ld 'beg1' !n he   
w\ld w9 all he>ts4 ,i am n only ref]r+  
to *ildr51 b to gr[n m5 & wom52 & !n !re
 is always some?+ peculi>ly *ildlike &  
frank 9 ^! *ildr5 ( ! great riv]4  ,only
 to-day1 z ,i 0 walk+ up ! bank ( ! riv]
 9 ! e>ly dawn1 ,i he>d "s ,burman      
boatm5 discuss+ my fox-t]ri]4 ,!y 7 ab\t
 fifte5 y>ds f ! %ore1 pol+ _! boat up  
aga9/ ! curr5t1 :i* is ardu\s "w2 & z ,i
 pass$ !m my little dog ran d[n ! bank &
 look$ at !m across ! wat]1 & !y saw h]4
  ',see n[1' said "o man to ano!r1 paus+
 = a mom5t ) 8 pole 9 8 h&--'see !      

little :ite dog ) ! br[n face1 h[ wise  
%e looks6'  ',& h[ pretty6' said a man  
/e]+ 9 ! /]n4 ',come6' he cri$1 hold+   
out 8 h& to x4  ,b ! dog only made a    
spla% 9 ! wat] ) h] paws1 & !n turn$ &  
ran aft] me4 ,! boatm5 laugh$ & resum$  
_! pol+1 & ,i pass$ on4 ,9 ! /ill morn+ 
across ! /ill wat] ,i c\ld he> e ^w1 b  
,i h>dly took any note2 ,i h he>d x s   
(t54 ,only n[ :5 ,i come to write on ?is
 subject d ,i rememb]4  ,x has be5      
inculcat$ 9 u f *ildhood t x is a manly 
?+ to be indiff]5t to pa9--n to our own 
pa9 only1 b to t ( all o!rs4 ,to be     
sorry = a hunt$ h>e1 to compassionate ! 
w\nd$ de]1 to %r9k f tortur+ ! brute    
creation1 has be5 acc\nt$ by u z        
namby-pamby s5tim5talism1 n fit = man1  
fit only = a squeami% woman4 ,to !      
,burman x is "o ( ! highe/ ( all        
virtues4 ,he believes t all t is        
beautiful 9 life is f\nd$ on compassion 
& k9dness & sympa?y--t no?+ ( great     
value c exi/ )\t !m4 ,d y ?9k t a       
,burmese boy w\ld be all[$ to           

birds'-ne/1 or worry rats ) a t]ri]1 or 
g f]ret+8 ,n s4 ,^! w\ld be crimes4  ,t 
?is k9dness & compassion = animals has v
 f>-rea*+ results no "o c d\bt4 ,if y   
are k9d to animals1 y w be k9d1 too1 to 
y\r fell[-man4 ,x is really ! same ?+1 !
 same feel+ 9 bo? cases4 ,if to be      
sup]ior 9 position to an animal ju/ifies
 y 9 tortur+ x1 s x w\ld d ) m54 ,if y  
are 9 a bett] position ?an ano!r man1   
ri*]1 /rong]1 high] 9 rank1 t w\ld--t   
does (t5 9 our m9ds--ju/ify ill-treatm5t
 & contempt4 ,our innate feel+ t[>ds all
 t we consid] inf]ior to ourselves is   
scorn2 ! ,burman's is compassion4 ,y c  
see ?is _s com+ out 9 e action ( _!     
daily life1 9 _! deal+s ) ea* o!r1 9 _! 
?\ghts1 9 _! spee*4 ',y are s /rong1 h y
 no compassion = him :o is weak1 :o is  
tempt$1 :o has fall58' ,h[ (t5 h ,i he>d
 ?is f a ,burman's lips6 ,h[ (t5 h ,i   
se5 him act up to x6 ,x seems to !m !   
necess>y coroll>y ( /r5g? t ! /rong man 
%\ld be sympa!tic & k9d4 ,x seems to !m 
an unconsci\s confession ( weakness to  

be scornful1 rev5geful1 inconsid]ate4   
,c\rtesy1 !y say1 is ! m>k ( a great    
man1 disc\rtesy ( a little "o4 ,no "o :o
 feels 8 position secure w lose 8 temp]1
 w p]secute1 w be disda9ful4 ,_! ^w = a 
fool & = a ha/y-temp]$ man is ! same4   
,to !m x is ! same ?+1 "o inf]s ! o!r4  
,& s _! attitude t[>ds animals is b an  
example ( _! attitude to ea* o!r4 ,t an 
animal or a man %\ld be l[] & weak] ?an 
y is ! /ronge/ claim he c h on y\r      
humanity1 & y\r c\rtesy & consid]ation =
 him is ! cle>e/ pro( ( y\r own         
sup]iority4 ,& s 9 8 deal+s ) animals ! 
,buddhi/ consid]s himself1 consults 8   
own dignity1 8 own /r5g?1 & is k9d &    
compassionate to !m out ( ! greatness ( 
8 own he>t4 ,no?+ is m beautiful ?an !  
,burman 9 8 ways ) 8 *ildr51 & 8 bea/s1 
) all :o are less] ?an himself4  ,ev5 to
 u1 :o ?9k s v diff]5tly f him on _m    
po9ts1 !re is a great & abid+ *>m 9 all 
?is1 to :i* we c f9d only "o exception2 
= to our ideas !re is "o exception1 & x 
is ?is3 ,no ,burman w take any life if  

he c help x1 & !re=e1 if any animal     
injure itself1 he w n kill x--n ev5 to  
put x out ( its pa91 z we say4 ,i h se5 
bullocks split on slipp]y roads1 ,i h   
se5 ponies ) brok5 legs1 ,i h se5 goats 
) t]rible w\nds caus$ by accid5tal      
falls1 & no "o w\ld kill !m4 ,if1 :5 y  
are out %oot+1 y\r beat]s pick up a     
w\nd$ h>e or p>tridge1 d n suppose t !y 
wr+ its neck2 y mu/ y\rself d t1 or x w 
l+] on till y get home4 ,"u no          
circum/ances w !y take ! life ev5 ( a   
w\nd$ bea/4 ,& if y ask !m1 !y w say3   
',if a man be sick1 d y %oot him8 ,if he
 injure 8 sp9e s t he w be a cripple =  
life1 d y put him out ( 8 pa98'  ,if y  
reply t m5 & bea/s are diff]5t1 !y w    
answ] t 9 ?is po9t !y d n recognise !   
diff]5ce4 ',poor bea/6 let him live out 
8 little life4' ,& !y w give him grass &
 wat] till he dies4  ,?is is ! exception
 t ,i meant1 b n[1 aft] ,i h writt5 x1  
,i am n s sure4 ,is x an exception8     
,,*apt] ,,xxi  ,,all ,,life ,,is ,,"o   
',i he>d a voice t cri$1      ,bald] !  

,beautiful      ,is dead1 is dead1      
,& ?r\gh ! mi/y air      ,pass$ l !     
m\rnful cry      ,( sunw>d-sail+        
cranes4'                                
,,tegn]',s ,drapa4   ,all romance has   
di$ out ( our woods & hills 9 ,engl&1   
all our fairies are dead long ago4 ,k s 
f> has br\ght u only dea?4 ,lat] on x w 
br+ u a new life4 ,x is ev5 n[ %[+ u h[ 
?is may be1 & is br++ u face to face    
aga9 ) ,nature1 & tea*+ u to "k & und]/&
 ! life t !re is ab\t u4 ,sci5ce is     
tell+ u aga9 :at we knew long ago &     
=got1 t our life is n ap>t f ! life ab\t
 u1 b ( x4 ,ev]y?+ is ak9 to u1 & :5 we 
are m accu/om$ to ?is k1 :5 we h ceas$  
to reg>d x z a new1 /range tea*+1 & "k t
 we are b see+ aga9 ) cle>] eyes :at a  
half-k bl9d$ u to1 !n ! _w w be bright &
 beautiful to u z x 0 long ago4  ,b n[  
all is d>k4 ,!re are no dryads 9 our    
trees1 nor nymphs among ! re$s t fr+e ! 
riv]2 ev5 our peaks hold = u no gu>dian 
_s1 t may take ! reckless trespass] &   
b9d him 9 a rock = ev]4 ,& because we h 

lo/ our belief 9 fairies1 because we d n
 n[ ?9k t !re are gobl9s 9 our caves1   
because !re is no _s 9 ! w9ds nor voice 
9 ! ?und]1 we h come to ?9k t ! trees & 
! rocks1 ! fl[]s & ! /orm1 are all dead 
?+s4 ,!y are made up1 we say1 ( mat]ials
 t we "k1 !y are gov]n$ by laws t we h  
discov]$1 & !re is no life any:]e 9     
,nature4  ,& yet ?is _c be true4 ,f>    
tru] is x to believe 9 fairies & 9      
spirits ?an 9 no?+ at all2 = surely !re 
is life all ab\t u4 ,:o t has liv$ out  
alone 9 ! =e/1 t has la9 ^u ! hillside &
 se5 ! m\nta9s clo! !mselves 9 lu/r\s   
%ad[s %ot ) crimson :5 ! day dies1 :o t 
has he>d ! sigh come up out ( ! rav9es  
:]e ! little breezes move1 t has wat*$ !
 trees sway _! leaves to & fro1 beckon+ 
to ea* o!r ) wayw>d amor\s ge/ures1 b   
has kn[n t ^! are n dead ?+s8  ,wat* !  
/ream com+ d[n ! hill ) a fla% & a laugh
 9 ! sunlight1 look into ! d>k br[n     
pools 9 ! deep %ad[s b5ea? ! rocks1 or  
voyage a :ole night ^u ! brea/ ( ! great
 riv]1 drift+ pa/ gho/ly mona/]ies &    

sil5t villages1 & !n say if !re be no   
life 9 ! wat]s1 if !y1 too1 are dead    
?+s4 ,!re is no consolation l !         
consolation ( ,nature1 no sympa?y l !   
sympa?y ( ! hills & /reams2 & sympa?y   
comes f life4 ,!re is no sympa?y ) !    
dead4  ,:5 y are alone 9 ! =e/ all ?is  
life w come & talk to y1 if y are quiet 
& und]/&4 ,!re is love deep d[n 9 !     
passionate he>t ( ! fl[]1 z !re is 9 !  
little quiv]+ honeysuck] flitt+ aft] 8  
mate1 z !re 0 9 ,romeo long ago4 ,!re is
 maje/y 9 ! huge br[n precipice great]  
?an ev] look$ f ! face ( a k+4 ,all life
 is "o4 ,! s\l t moves )9 y :5 y he> !  
de] call to ea* o!r f> above 9 ! mi/y   
mead[s ( ! night is ! same s\l t moves 9
 ev]y?+ ab\t y4 ,no p :o h liv$ mu* )   
,nature h fail$ to descry ?is4 ,!y h    
recognis$ ! life1 !y h felt ! sympa?y ( 
! _w ab\t !m1 & to ?is life !y h giv5   
names & =ms z !y w\ld to fri5ds :om !y  
lov$4 ,fairies & gobl9s1 fauns &        
spirits1 ^! are b names &               
p]sonifications ( a real life4 ,b to him

 :o has nev] felt ?is life1 :o has nev] 
be5 woo$ by ! trees & hills1 ^! ?+s are 
b fooli%ness1 ( c\rse4  ,to ! ,burman1 n
 less ?an to ! ,greek ( long ago1 all   
nature is alive4 ,! =e/ & ! riv] & !    
m\nta9s are full ( spirits1 :om !       
,burmans call ,nats4 ,!re are all k9ds (
 ,nats1 good & bad1 great & little1 male
 & female1 n[ liv+ r\nd ab\t u4 ,"s ( !m
 live 9 ! trees1 especially 9 ! huge    
fir-tree t %ades half an acre )\t !     
village2 or among ! f]nlike fronds ( !  
tam>9d2 & y w (t5 see b5ea? su* a tree1 
rais$ ^u poles or ne/l$ 9 ! bran*es1 a  
little h\se built ( bamboo & ?at*1      
p]haps two feet squ>e4 ,y w be told :5 y
 ask t ?is is ! h\se ( ! ,tree-,nat4    
,fl[]s w be (f]$ sometimes1 & a little  
wat] or rice maybe1 to ! ,nat1 nev]     
suppos+ t he is 9 ne$ ( su* ?+s1 b z a  
c\rte\s & graceful ?+ to d2 = x is n    
safe to (f5d ^! ,nats1 & _m ( !m are v  
p[]ful4 ,!re is a ,nat ( :om ,i "k1 ^:  
home is 9 a great tree at ! cross+ ( two
 roads1 & he has a h\se !re built = him1

 & he is mu* fe>$4 ,he is su* a great   
,nat t x is necess>y :5 y pass 8 h\se to
 dism\nt f y\r pony & walk to a         
respectful di/ance4 ,if y haughtily ride
 pa/1 tr\ble w befall y4 ,a fri5d ( m9e 
rid+ !re "o day reject$ all ! advice ( 8
 ,burmese companions & did n dism\nt1 & 
a few days lat] he 0 tak5 deadly sick ( 
fev]4 ,he v ne>ly di$1 & _h to g away to
 ! ,/raits = a sea-trip to take ! fev]  
out ( 8 ve9s4 ,x 0 a v ne> ?+ = him4 ,t 
0 9 ! ,burmese times1 ( c\rse4 ,aft] t  
he always dism\nt$4 ,b all ,nats are n s
 pr\d nor s mu* to be fe>$ z ?is "o1 & x
 is usually safe to ride pa/4  ,ev5 z ,i
 write ,i am "u ! %ad[ ( a tree :]e a   
,nat us$ to live1 & ! headman ( !       
village has be5 tell+ me all ab\t x4    
,?is is a ,gov]nm5t re/-h\se on a ma9   
road betwe5 two /ations1 & is built =   
,gov]nm5t (ficials travell+ on duty ab\t
 _! di/ricts4 ,to ! we/ ( x is a gr&    
fig-tree ( ! k9d call$ ,nyaungb9 by !   
,burmese4 ,x is a v beautiful tree1 ?\gh
 n[ a little b>e1 = x is j be=e ! ra9s2 

b x is a great tree ev5 n[1 & two mon?s 
h5ce x w be glori\s4 ,x 0 nev] plant$1 !
 headman tells me1 b came up ( itself v 
_m ye>s ago1 & :5 x 0 gr[n to full size 
a ,nat came to live 9 x4 ,! ,nat liv$ 9 
! tree = _m ye>s1 & took great c>e ( x4 
,no "o might injure x or any liv+       
creature ne> x1 s jeal\s 0 ! ,nat ( 8   
abode4 ,& ! villag]s built a little     
,nat-h\se1 su* z ,i h describ$1 "u !    
bran*es1 & (f]$ fl[]s & wat]1 & all ?+s 
w5t well ) ^? :o did well4 ,b if anyone 
did ill ! ,nat puni%$ him4 ,if he cut ! 
roots ( ! tree1 ! ,nat hurt 8 feet2 & if
 he injur$ ! bran*es1 ! ,nat injur$ 8   
arms2 & if he cut ! trunk1 ! ,nat came  
d[n out ( ! tree1 & kill$ ! sacrilegi\s 
man "r (f4 ,!re 0 no runn+ away1        
because1 z y "k1 ! headman said1 ,nats c
 g a great deal fa/] ?an any man4 ,_m   
m51 c>eless /rang]s1 :o camp$ "u ! tree 
& !n abus$ ! hospitality ( ! ,nat by    
hunt+ ne> 8 home1 came to sev]e grief4  
,b ! ,nat has gone n[1 alas6 ,! tree is 
/ill !re1 b ! ,nat has fl$ away ^! _m   

ye>s4  ',i suppose he didn't c>e to     
/ay1' said ! headman4 ',y see t !       
,engli% ,gov]nm5t (ficials came & camp$ 
"h1 & didn't fe> ! ,nats4 ,!y _h f[ls   
kill$ "h = _! d9n]1 & !y sang & %\t$2 & 
!y %ot ! gre5 pigeons :o ate 8 figs1 & !
 little doves t ne/$ 9 8 bran*es4'  ,all
 ^! ?+s 7 an abom9ation to ! ,nat1 :o   
hat$ l\d1 r\gh talk & abuse1 & to :om   
all life 0 sacr$4  ,s ! ,nat w5t away4  
,! headman did n "k :]e he 0 gone1 b !re
 are pl5ty ( trees4  ',he has gone      
some:]e to get peace1' ! headman said4  
',some:]e 9 ! jungle1 :]e no "o ev]     
comes save ! h]d-boy & ! de]1 he w be   
liv+ 9 a tree1 ?\gh ,i d n ?9k he w     
easily f9d a tree s beautiful z ?is4'   
,! headman seem$ v sorry ab\t x1 & s did
 sev]al villag]s :o 7 ) him2 & ,i       
sugge/$ t if ! ,nat-h\ses 7 rebuilt1 &  
fl[]s & wat] (f]$1 ! ,nat might "k &    
return4 ,i ev5 (f]$ to contribute       
myself1 t x might be tak5 z an am5de    
honorable on behalf ( ! ,engli%         
,gov]nm5t4 ,b !y did n ?9k ?is w\ld be  

any use4 ,no ,nat w\ld come :]e !re 0 s 
mu* go+ & com+1 s little c>e = life1 su*
 a disreg>d = pity & = peace4 ,if we 7  
to take away our re/-h\se1 well !n1     
p]haps1 aft] a "t1 some?+ c\ld be done1 
b n "u pres5t circum/ances4  ,& s1      
besides de?ron+ ! ,burmese k+1 & occupy+
 8 gold5 palace1 we are ou/+ f _!       
pleasant homes ! gu>dian spirits ( !    
trees4 ,!y flee be=e ! cold mat]ialism (
 our belief1 be=e ! brutality ( our     
mann]s4 ,! headman did n say ?is2 he did
 n mean to say ?is1 = he is a v c\rte\s 
man & a great fri5d ( all ( u2 b t is   
:at x came to1 ,i ?9k4  ,! trunk ( ?is  
tree is m ?an t5 feet ?r\gh--n a r\nd   
bole1 b l ! pill> 9 a ,go?ic ca!dral1 z 
( _m small] boles gr[+ toge!r2 & ! roots
 spread out into a p$e/al be=e ent]+ !  
gr\nd4 ,! trunk does n g up v f>4 ,at   
p]haps tw5ty-five feet above ! gr\nd x  
divides into a myriad ( small] trunks1 n
 bran*es1 till x looks m l a =e/ ?an a  
s+le tree2 x is full ( life /ill4 ,?\gh 
! pigeons & ! doves come "h no long]1   

!re are a ?\s& o!r birds flitt+ to & fro
 9 _! a]ial city & *irp+ to ea* o!r4    
,two t9y squirrels h j run along a bran*
 ne>ly ov] my head1 9 a desp]ate hurry  
app>5tly1 _! tails cock$ ov] _! backs1 &
 a sky blue *ameleon is /&+ on ! trunk  
ne> :]e x p>ts4 ,!re is always a breeze 
9 ?is great tree2 ! leaves are always   
mov+1 & !re is a cont9u\s ru/le & murmur
 up !re4 ,a mango-tree & tam>9d ne> by  
are q /ill4 ,n a brea? %akes _! leaves2 
!y are z /ill z /one1 b ! %ad[ ( !      
fig-tree is *equ]$ ) ev]-*ang+ lights4  
,is ! ,nat really gone8 ,p]haps n2      
p]haps he is /ill !re1 /ill c>+ = 8     
tree1 only %y n[ & di/ru/ful1 & !re=e no
 m se54  ,:ole woods are en*ant$        
sometimes1 & no "o d>e ent] !m4 ,su* a  
wood ,i "k1 f> away nor?1 ne> ! hills1  
:i* is full ( ,nats4 ,!re 0 a great deal
 ( game 9 x1 = animals s\ght %elt] !re1 
& no "o d>$ to di/urb !m2 n ! villag]s  
to cut firewood1 nor ! girls seek+      
or*ids1 nor ! hunt] aft] 8 prey1 d>$ to 
trespass ^u t en*ant$ gr\nd4  ',:at w\ld

 happ51' ,i ask$ once1 'if anyone w5t   
into t wood8 ,w\ld he be kill$1 or :at8'
  ,& ,i 0 told t no "o c\ld tell :at    
w\ld happ51 only t he w\ld nev] be se5  
aga9 alive4 ',! ,nats w\ld confiscate   
him1' !y said1 '= intrud+ on _!         
privacy4' ,b :at !y w\ld d to him aft] !
 confiscation no "o seem$ to be q sure4 
,i ask$ ! (ficial :o 0 ) me1 a f9e      
h&some ,burman :o _h be5 ) u 9 _m       
fights1 :e!r he w\ld g into ! wood ) me1
 b he decl9$ at once4 ,enemies are "o   
?+1 ,nats are q ano!r1 & a v mu* m      
dreadful ?+4 ,y c escape f enemies1 z   
witness my companion1 :o _h be5 %ot at  
times )\t numb] & _h only once be5 hit1 
9 ! leg1 b y _c escape ,nats4 ,once1 he 
told me1 !re 7 two v sacrilegi\s m51    
hunt]s by pr(ession1 only m ab&on$ ?an  
ev5 ! majority ( hunt]s1 & !y w5t into  
?is wood to hunt ',!y didn't c>e =      
,nats1' !y said4 ,!y didn't c>e = any?+ 
at all app>5tly4 ',!y 7 absolutely )\t  
rev]5ce1 worse ?an any bea/1' said my   
companion4  ,s !y w5t into ! wood to    

%oot1 & !y nev] came out aga94 ,a few   
days lat] _! b>e bones 7 f\nd1 flung out
 ^u ! road ne> ! en*ant$ wood4 ,! ,nats 
did n c>e to h ev5 ! bones ( su*        
sc\ndrels 9 _! wood1 & s ?ru/ !m out4 ,t
 0 :at happ5$ to !m1 & t 0 :at might    
happ5 to u if we w5t 9 !re4 ,we did n g4
  ,?\gh ! ,nats ( ! =e/ w n all[ ev5 "o 
( _! bea/s to be sla91 ! ,nats ( ! riv]s
 are n s exclusive4 ,i d n ?9k fi% are  
ev] reg>d$ 9 q ! same light z animals4  
,x is true t a f]v5t ,buddhi/ w n kill  
ev5 a fi%1 b a fi%]man is n q su* a     
reprobate z a hunt] 9 popul> e/imation4 
,& ! ,nats ?9k s too1 = ! ,nat ( a pool 
w n =bid all fi%+4 ,y mu/ give him 8    
%>e2 y mu/ be respectful to him1 & n    
(f5d him2 & !n he w fill y\r nets )     
gleam+ fi%1 & all w g well ) y4 ,if n1 (
 c\rse1 y w come to grief2 y\r nets w be
 torn1 & y\r boat upset2 & f9ally1 if   
ob/9ate1 y w be dr[n$4 ,a great arm w   
seize y1 & y w be pull$ "u & disappe> = 
ev]4  ,a ,nat is mu* l a human be+2 if y
 treat him well he w treat y well1 &    

conv]sely4 ,c\rtesy is nev] wa/$ on m5  
or ,nats1 at lea/1 s a ,burman tells me4
  ,! highe/ ,nats live 9 ! m\nta9s4 ,!  
high] ! ,nat ! high] ! m\nta92 & :5 y   
get to a v high peak inde$1 l ,ma9?ong  
,peak 9 ,wun?o1 y enc\nt] v p[]ful      
,nats4  ,!y tell a /ory ( ,ma9?ong ,peak
 & ! ,nats !re1 h[ all ( a sudd51 "o day
 9 #ahhe1 /range noises came f ! hill4  
,high up on 8 mighty side 0 he>d ! s\nd 
( great guns fir+ sl[ly & cont9u\sly2   
!re 0 ! ?und] ( fall+ rocks1 cries z (  
someone bewail+ a t]rible calamity1 &   
voices call+ f ! precipices4 ,! p liv+ 9
 _! little hamlets ab\t 8 feet 7        
t]rifi$4 ,some?+ !y knew _h happ5$ ( mo/
 dire import to !m1 "s cata/rophe :i* !y
 7 p[]less to prev5t1 :i* !y c\ld n ev5 
guess4 ,b :5 a few weeks lat] !re came  
ev5 into ^? remote villages ! news ( !  
fall ( ,m&alay1 ( ! surr5d] ( ! k+1 ( ! 
'great trea*]y1' !y knew t ?is 0 :at !  
,nats _h be5 sorr[+ ov]4 ,all ! ,nats   
ev]y:]e seem to h be5 di/ress$ at our   
arrival1 to hate our pres5ce1 & to      

e>ne/ly desire our abs5ce4 ,!y are !    
spirits ( ! c\ntry & ( ! p1 & !y _c     
abide a =eign dom9ation4  ,b ! greate/  
place = ,nats is ! ,popa ,m\nta91 :i* is
 an ext9ct volcano /&+ all alone ab\t   
midway betwe5 ! riv] & ! ,%an ,m\nta9s4 
,x is ?us v conspicu\s1 hav+ no hills   
ne> x to %>e its maje/y2 & be+ 9 sight f
 _m ( ! old capitals1 x is v well kn[n 9
 hi/ory & leg5d4 ,x is cov]$ ) d5se =e/1
 & ! villages close ab\t are few4 ,at ! 
top !re is a crat] ) a brok5 side1 & a  
/ream comes fl[+ out ( ?is break d[n !  
m\nta94 ,probably x 0 ! d5s5ess ( its   
=e/s1 ! abundance ( wat]1 & its c5tral  
position1 m ?an its gu>dian ,nats1 t    
made x = s _m ye>s ! la/ retreat+-place 
( ! half-robb]1 half-patriot b&s t made 
life s uneasy = u4 ,b ! ,nats ( ,popa   
,m\nta9s are v fam\s4  ,:5 any =eign] 0 
tak5 into ! s]vice ( ! ,k+ ( ,burma he  
_h to swe> an oa? ( fidelity4 ,he swore 
^u _m ?+s1 & among !m 7 includ$ 'all !  
,nats 9 ,popa4' ,no ,burman w\ld h d>$  
to break an oa? sworn 9 su* a s]i\s way 

z ?is1 & !y did n imag9e t anyone else  
w\ld4 ,x 0 & is a v dang]\s ?+ to (f5d !
 ,popa ,nats2 = !y are /ill !re 9 !     
m\nta91 & ev]yone :o goes !re mu/ d !m  
rev]5ce4  ,a fri5d ( m9e1 a police      
(fic]1 :o 0 engag$ 9 try+ to cat* ! la/ 
( ! robb] *iefs :o hid ne> ,popa1 told  
me t :5 he w5t up ! m\nta9 %oot+ he1    
too1 _h to make (f]+s4 ,"s way up !re is
 a little valley d>k ) ov]hang+ trees1 &
 a /ream fl[s sl[ly along x4 ,x is an   
en*ant$ valley1 & if y look closely y w 
see t ! /ream is n z o!r /reams1 = x    
fl[s uphill4 ,x comes ru%+ into ! valley
 ) a great display ( foam & fro?1 & x   
leaves 9 a simil> way1 te>+ d[n ! rocks1
 & behav+ l any o!r boi/]\s hill        
rivulet2 b 9 ! valley itself x lies "u a
 spell4 ,x is sl[ & d>k1 & has a surface
 l a mirror1 & x fl[s uphill4 ,!re is no
 d\bt ab\t x2 anyone c see x4 ,:5 !y    
came "h1 my fri5d tells me1 !y made a   
halt1 & ! ,burmese hunt]s ) him unpack$ 
8 breakfa/4 ,he did n want to eat !n1 he
 said1 b !y expla9$ t x 0 n = him1 b = !

 ,nats4 ,all 8 food 0 unpack$1 cold     
*ick5 & t9n$ meats1 & jam & eggs &      
bread1 & x 0 spread neatly on a clo? "u 
a tree4 ,!n ! hunt]s call$ ^u ! ,nats to
 come & take any?+ !y desir$1 :ile my   
fri5d wond]$ :at he %\ld d if ! ,nats   
took all 8 food & left him ) no?+4 ,b no
 ,nats came1 al?\gh ! ,burmans call$    
aga9 & aga94 ,s !y pack$ up ! food1 say+
 t n[ ! ,nats w\ld be pleas$ at !       
c\rtesy %[n to !m1 & t my fri5d w\ld h  
good sport4 ,pres5tly !y w5t on1 leav+1 
h[ev]1 an egg or two & a little salt1 9 
case ! ,nats might be hungry lat]1 &    
true en\gh x 0 t !y did h good luck4 ,at
 o!r times1 my fri5d says1 :5 he did n  
obs]ve ?is c]emony1 he saw no?+ to %oot 
at all1 b on ?is day he did well4  ,!   
=m] hi/ory ( all ,nats is n kn[n4 ,:e!r 
!y h _h a previ\s exi/5ce 9 ano!r =m1 & 
if s1 :at1 is a secret t !y usually keep
 c>efully to !mselves1 b ! hi/ory ( !   
,popa ,nats is well kn[n4 ,ev]yone :o   
lives ne> ! great hill c tell y t1 = x  
all happ5$ n s long ago4 ,h[ long       

exactly no "o c say1 b n s long t !     
details ( ! /ory h become at all cl\d$  
by ! mi/s ( "t4  ,!y 7 bro!r & si/]1 ^! 
,popa ,nats1 & !y _h liv$ away up ,nor?4
 ,! bro!r 0 a blacksmi?1 & he 0 a v     
/rong man4 ,he 0 ! /ronge/ man 9 all !  
c\ntry2 ! bl[ ( 8 hamm] on ! anvil made 
! e>? tremble1 & 8 =ge 0 z ! m\? ( hell4
 ,no "o 0 s mu* fe>$ & s mu* s\ght aft] 
z he4 ,& z he 0 /rong1 s 8 si/] 0       
beautiful beyond all ! maid5s ( ! "t4   
,_! fa!r & "m 7 dead1 & !re 0 no "o b ^?
 two1 ! bro!r & si/]1 s !y lov$ ea* o!r 
de>ly1 & ?\ght ( no "o else4 ,! bro!r   
br\ght home no wife to 8 h\se by ! =ge4 
,he want$ no "o :ile he _h 8 si/] !re1 &
 :5 lov]s came woo+ to h]1 s++ amor\s   
songs 9 ! amb] dusk1 %e w\ld h no?+ to d
 ) !m4 ,s !y liv$ !re toge!r1 he gr[+   
/rong] & %e m beautiful e day1 till at  
la/ a *ange came4  ,! old k+ di$1 & a   
new k+ came to ! ?rone1 & ord]s 7 s5t   
ab\t to all ! gov]nors ( prov9ces & o!r 
(ficials t ! mo/ beautiful maid5s 7 to  
be s5t d[n to ! ,gold5 ,city to be wives

 to ! great k+4 ,s ! gov]nor ( t c\ntry 
s5t = ! blacksmi? & 8 si/] to 8 palace1 
& told !m !re :at ord]s he _h receiv$1 &
 ask$ ! blacksmi? to give 8 si/] t %e   
might be s5t z que5 to ! k+4 ,we are n  
told :at argum5ts ! gov]nor us$ to ga9 8
 po9t1 b only ?is1 t :5 he fail$1 he s5t
 ! girl 9 unto 8 wife1 & !re %e 0       
p]suad$ to g4 ,!re mu/ h be5 some?+ v   
tempt+1 to "o :o 0 b a village girl1 9 !
 prospect ( be+ ev5 "o ( ! less] que5s1 
( liv+ 9 ! palace1 ! c5tre ( ! _w4 ,s %e
 cons5t$ at la/1 & h] bro!r cons5t$1 & !
 girl 0 s5t d[n "u fitt+ escort to f9d  
fav\r 9 ! eyes ( h] k+4 ,b ! blacksmi?  
refus$ to g4 ,x 0 no good ! gov]nor say+
 su* a great man z he mu/ come to high  
hon\r 9 ! ,gold5 ,city1 x 0 useless = ! 
girl to beg & pray him to come ) h]--he 
always refus$4 ,s %e sail$ away d[n !   
great riv]1 & ! blacksmi? return$ to 8  
=ge4  ,z ! gov]nor _h said1 ! girl 0    
acceptable 9 ! k+'s sight1 & %e 0 made  
at la/ "o ( ! pr9cipal que5s1 & ( all %e
 _h mo/ p[] ov] ! k+4 ,!y say %e 0 mo/  

beautiful1 t h] pres5ce 0 z soo?+ z %ade
 aft] heat1 t h] =m 0 z graceful z a "y 
tree1 & ! palms ( h] h&s 7 l lotus      
blossoms4 ,%e _h enemies1 ( c\rse4 ,mo/ 
( ! o!r que5s 7 h] enemies1 & tri$ to d 
h] h>m4 ,b x 0 useless tell+ tales ( h] 
to ! k+1 = ! k+ nev] believ$2 & %e walk$
 s wisely & s well1 t %e nev] fell into 
any sn>e4 ,b /ill ! plots nev] ceas$4   
,!re 0 "o day :5 %e 0 sitt+ alone 9 !   
g>d5 pavilion1 ) ! trees mak+ mov+ %ad[s
 all ab\t h]1 t ! k+ came to h]4 ,!y    
talk$ = a "t1 & ! k+ began to speak to  
h] ( h] life be=e %e came to ! palace1 a
 ?+ he _h nev] done be=e4 ,b he seem$ to
 "k all ab\t x1 nev]!less1 & he spoke to
 h] ( h] bro!r1 & said t he1 ! k+1 _h   
he>d h[ no man 0 s /rong z ?is          
blacksmi?1 ! bro!r ( ! que54 ,! que5    
said x 0 true1 & %e talk$ on & on &     
prais$ h] bro!r1 & babbl$ ( ! days ( h] 
*ildhood1 :5 he c>ri$ h] on 8 great     
%\ld]1 & ?rew h] into ! air1 cat*+ h]   
aga94 ,%e 0 delight$ to talk ( all ^!   
?+s1 & 9 h] pleasure %e =got h]         

discretion1 & said t h] bro!r 0 wise z  
well z /rong1 & t all ! p lov$ him4     
,nev] 0 !re su* a man z he4 ,! k+ did n 
seem v pleas$ ) x all1 b he said only t 
! blacksmi? 0 a great man1 & t ! que5   
mu/ write to him to come d[n to ! city1 
t ! k+ might see him ( :om !re 0 su*    
great report4  ,!n ! k+ got up & w5t    
away1 & ! que5 began to d\bt2 & ! m %e  
?\ght ! m %e fe>$ %e _h n be5 act+      
wisely 9 talk+ z %e did1 = x is n wise  
to praise anyone to a k+4 ,%e w5t away  
to h] own room to consid]1 & to try if  
%e c\ld he> ( any reason :y ! k+ %\ld   
act z he _h done1 & desire h] bro!r to  
come to him to ! city2 & %e f\nd out t x
 0 all a plot ( h] enemies4 ,h]self !y  
_h fail$ to injure1 s !y 7 n[ plott+    
aga9/ h] ?r\gh h] bro!r4 ,!y _h gone to 
! k+1 & fill$ 8 e> ) sl&]\s reports4 ,!y
 _h said t ! que5's bro!r 0 ! /ronge/   
man 9 all ! k+dom4 ',he 0 cunn+1 too1'  
!y said1 '& v popul> among all ! p2 & he
 0 s puff$ up ) pride1 n[ t 8 si/] 0 a  
que51 t !re 0 no?+ he did n ?9k he c\ld 

d4' ,!y repres5t$ to ! k+ h[ dang]\s su*
 a man 0 9 a k+dom1 t x w\ld be q easy =
 him to raise su* rebellion z ! k+ c\ld 
h>dly put d[n1 & t he 0 j ! man to d su*
 a ?+4 ,nay1 x 0 inde$ prov$ t he mu/ be
 disloyally plott+ some?+1 or he w\ld h 
come d[n ) 8 si/] to ! city :5 %e came4 
,b n[ _m mon?s _h pass$1 & he nev] came4
 ,cle>ly he 0 n to be tru/$4 ,any o!r   
man ^: si/] 0 a que5 w\ld h come & liv$ 
9 ! palace1 & s]v$ ! k+ & become a      
m9i/]1 in/ead ( /ay+ up !re & pret5d+ to
 be a blacksmi?4  ,! k+'s m9d _h be5 mu*
 di/urb$ by ?is1 = x seem$ to him t x   
mu/ be 9 "p true2 & he w5t to ! que51 z 
,i h said1 & 8 suspicions _h n be5 lull$
 by :at %e told him1 s he _h ord]$ h] to
 write to h] bro!r to come d[n to !     
palace4  ,! que5 0 t]rifi$ :5 %e saw :at
 a mi/ake %e _h made1 & h[ %e _h fall5  
into ! trap ( h] enemies2 b %e hop$ t ! 
k+ w\ld =get1 & %e det]m9$ t %e w\ld s5d
 no ord] to h] bro!r to come4 ,b ! next 
day ! k+ came back to ! subject1 & ask$ 
h] if %e _h yet s5t ! lett]1 & %e said  

',no6' ,! k+ 0 v angry at ?is disob$i5ce
 to 8 ord]s1 & he ask$ h] h[ x came t %e
 _h n done z he _h comm&$1 & s5t a lett]
 to h] bro!r to call him to ! palace4   
,!n ! que5 fell at ! k+'s feet & told   
him all h] fe>s t h] bro!r 0 s5t = only 
to be imprison$ or execut$1 & %e begg$ &
 pray$ ! k+ to leave him 9 peace up !re 
9 8 village4 ,%e assur$ ! k+ t he 0     
loyal & good1 & w\ld d no evil4  ,! k+ 0
 r aba%$ t 8 design _h be5 discov]$1 b  
he 0 firm 9 8 purpose4 ,he assur$ ! que5
 t ! blacksmi? %\ld come to no h>m1 b r 
good2 & he ord]$ ! que5 to obey him1    
?reat5+ h] t if %e refus$ he w\ld be    
sure t %e 0 disloyal also1 & !re w\ld be
 no alt]native b to s5d & arre/ !       
blacksmi? by =ce1 & puni% h]1 ! que51   
too4 ,!n ! que5 said t if ! k+ swore to 
h] t h] bro!r %\ld come to no h>m1 %e   
w\ld write z ord]$4 ,& ! k+ swore4  ,s !
 que5 wrote to h] bro!r1 & adjur$ him by
 8 love to h] to come d[n to ! ,gold5   
,city4 ,%e said %e _h dire ne$ ( him1 & 
%e told him t ! k+ _h sworn t no h>m    

%\ld come to him4  ,! lett] 0 s5t (f by 
a k+'s mess5g]4 ,9 due "t ! blacksmi?   
arriv$1 & he 0 imm$iately seiz$ & ?r[n  
into prison to await 8 trial4  ,:5 !    
que5 saw t %e _h be5 deceiv$1 %e 0 9    
despair4 ,%e tri$ by e way1 by te>s &   
entreaties & c>esses1 to move ! k+1 b   
all )\t avail4 ,!n %e tri$ by plott+ &  
brib]y to ga9 h] bro!r's release1 b x 0 
all 9 va94 ,! day = trial came quickly1 
& ! blacksmi? 0 tri$1 & he 0 condemn$ & 
s5t5c$ to be burnt alive by ! riv] on ! 
foll[+ day4  ,on ! ev5+ ( ! day ( trial 
! que5 s5t a message to ! k+ to come to 
h]2 & :5 ! k+ came reluctantly1 fe>+ a  
r5ewal ( entreaties1 expect+ a woman    
made ( te>s & sobs1 full ( grief1 he    
f\nd in/ead t ! que5 _h dri$ h] eyes &  
dress$ h]self /ill m beautifully ?an    
ev]1 till %e seem$ to ! k+ ! v pe>l     
among wom54 ,& %e told ! k+ t he 0 "r1 &
 %e 0 wrong4 ,%e said1 putt+ h] arms    
ab\t him & c>ess+ him1 t %e _h discov]$ 
t x 0 true t h] bro!r _h be5 plott+     
aga9/ ! k+1 & !re=e 8 dea? 0 necess>y4  

,x 0 t]rible1 %e said1 to f9d t h]      
bro!r1 :om %e _h always held z a patt]n1
 0 no bett] ?an a traitor2 b x 0 ev5 s1 
& h] k+ 0 ! wise/ ( all k+s to f9d x    
out4  ,! k+ 0 delight$ to f9d 8 que5 9  
?is mood1 & he soo!d h] & talk$ to h]   
k9dly & sweetly1 = he really lov$ h]1   
?\gh he _h giv5 9 to bad advice ab\t !  
bro!r4 ,& :5 ! k+'s suspicions 7 lull$1 
! que5 said to him t %e _h n[ b "o      
reque/ to make1 & t 0 t %e might h      
p]mission to g d[n ) h] maids to !      
riv]-%ore 9 ! e>ly morn+1 & see h]self !
 execution ( h] traitor bro!r4 ,! k+1 :o
 w\ld n[ h grant$ h] any?+--any?+ %e    
ask$1 except j t "o ?+1 ! life ( h]     
bro!r--gave p]mission2 & !n ! que5 said 
t %e 0 tir$ & wi%$ to re/ aft] all !    
tr\ble ( ! la/ few days1 & w\ld ! k+    
leave h]4 ,s ! k+ left h] to h]self1 &  
w5t away to 8 own *amb]s4  ,v e>ly 9 !  
morn+1 ere ! crimson flu% ^u ! m\nta9s  
_h fad$ 9 ! light ( day1 a va/ cr[d 0   
ga!r$ bel[ ! city1 by ! %ore ( ! great  
riv]4 ,v _m ?\s&s 7 !re1 ( _m c\ntries &

 peoples1 cr[d+ d[n to see a man die1 to
 see a traitor burnt to dea? = 8 s9s1 = 
!re is no?+ m5 l s mu* z to see ano!r   
man die4  ,^u a little headl& jutt+ out 
into ! riv] ! pyre 0 rais$1 ) bru%wood &
 /raw1 to burn quickly1 & an iron po/ 9 
! middle to :i* ! man 0 to be *a9$4 ,at 
"o side 0 a place res]v$1 & pres5tly d[n
 f ! palace 9 a long procession came !  
que5 & h] tra9 ( ladies to ! place kept 
= h]4 ,gu>ds 7 put all ab\t to prev5t ! 
p cr[d+2 & !n came ! soldi]s1 & 9 ! mid/
 ( !m ! blacksmi?2 & amid _m cries (    
',traitor1 traitor6' & %\ts ( d]ision1  
he 0 b\nd to ! iron po/ )9 ! wood & !   
/raw1 & ! gu>ds fell back4  ,! que5 sat 
& wat*$ x all1 & said nev] a ^w4 ,fire 0
 put to ! pyre1 & x crept rapidly up 9  
long r$ tongues ) coils ( black smoke4  
,x w5t v quickly1 = ! wood 0 v dry1 & a 
light breeze came laugh+ up ! riv] &    
help$ x4 ,! flames play$ ab\t ! man *a9$
 !re 9 ! mid/1 & he made nev] a sign2   
only he look$ /eadily across at ! purple
 m\nta9 :]e 8 home lay1 & x 0 cle> t 9 a

 few m mom5ts he w\ld be dead4 ,!re 0 a 
deep sil5ce ev]y:]e4  ,!n ( a sudd51    
be=e anyone knew1 be=e a h& c\ld be held
 out to h9d] h]1 ! que5 rose f h] seat &
 ran to ! pyre4 ,9 a mom5t %e 0 !re & _h
 ?r[n h]self into ! flames1 & ) h] arms 
ab\t h] bro!r's neck %e turn$ & fac$ !  
myriad eyes t gl>$ ^u !m--! que51 9 all 
! glory ( h] beauty1 glitt]+ ) gems1 & !
 man ) great %ackl$ b>e limbs1 dress$ 9 
a few rags1 8 muscles already twi/$ ) ! 
agony ( ! fire4 ,a great cry ( horror   
came f ! p1 & !re 0 ! movem5t ( gu>ds & 
(fic]s ru%+ to /op ! fire2 b x 0 all (  
no use4 ,a fla% ( r$ flames came out ( !
 logs1 fold+ ^! twa9 l an imp]ial cloak1
 a :irl ( sp>ks t[]$ into ! air1 & :5 "o
 c\ld see aga9 ! woman & h] bro!r 7 no  
long] !re4 ,!y 7 dead & burnt1 & !      
bodies m+l$ ) ! a%es ( ! fire4 ,%e _h   
co/ h] bro!r 8 life1 & %e w5t ) him into
 dea?4   ,"s days aft] ?is a /range     
report 0 br\ght to ! palace4 ,by !      
l&+-place ne> ! spot :]e ! fire _h be5 0
 a great fig-tree4 ,x 0 s ne> to !      

l&+-place1 & 0 su* a magnific5t tree1 t 
travell]s com+ f ! boats1 or wait+ = a  
boat to arrive1 w\ld re/ 9 numb]s "u its
 %ade4 ,b ! report said t some?+ _h     
happ5$ !re4 ,to travell]s sleep+ b5ea? !
 tree at night x 0 /at$ t two ,nats _h  
appe>$1 v l>ge & v beautiful1 a man ,nat
 & a woman ,nat1 & _h fright5$ !m v mu* 
inde$4 ,noises 7 he>d 9 ! tree1 voices &
 cries1 & a /range t]ror came ^u ^? :o  
approa*$ x4 ,nay1 x 0 ev5 said t m5 _h  
be5 /ruck by unse5 h&s & sev]ely hurt1 &
 o!rs1 x 0 said1 _h disappe>$4 ,*ildr5  
:o w5t to play "u ! tree 7 nev] se5     
aga93 ! ,nats took !m1 & _! p>5ts s\ght 
= !m 9 va94 ,s ! l&+-place 0 des]t$1 & a
 petition 0 br\ght to ! k+1 & ! k+ gave 
ord]s t ! tree %\ld be hewn d[n4 ,s !   
tree 0 cut d[n1 & its trunk 0 ?r[n into 
! riv]2 x float$ away out ( sight1 &    
no?+ happ5$ to ! m5 :o cut ! tree1 ?\gh 
!y 7 deadly afraid4  ,! tree float$ d[n 
= days1 until at la/ x /r&$ ne> a       
l&+-place t l$ to a l>ge t[n1 :]e !     
gov]nor ( ^! p>ts liv$2 & at ?is        

l&+-place ! port5ts t _h fright5$ ! p at
 ! great city reappe>$ & t]rifi$ !      
travell]s "h too1 & !y petition$ !      
gov]nor4  ,! gov]nor s\ght out a great  
monk1 a v holy man le>n$ 9 ^! matt]s1 & 
s5t him to inquire1 & ! monk came d[n to
 ! tree & spoke4 ,he said t if any ,nats
 liv$ 9 ! tree1 !y %\ld speak to him &  
tell him :at !y want$4 ',x is n fit1' he
 said1 '= great ,nats to t]rify ! poor  
villag]s at ! l&+-place4 ,let ! ,nats   
speak & say :at !y require4 ,all t !y   
want %all be giv54' ,& ! ,nats spake &  
said t !y want$ a place to live 9 :]e !y
 c\ld be at peace1 & ! monk answ]$ = !  
gov]nor t all 8 l& 0 at _! disposal4    
',let ! ,nats *oose1' he said2 'all !   
c\ntry is be=e !m4' ,s ! ,nats *ose1 &  
said t !y w\ld h ,popa ,m\nta91 & ! monk
 agre$4  ,! ,nats !n left ! tree & w5t  
away1 f> away inl&1 to ! great ,popa    
,m\nta91 & took up _! abode !re1 & all !
 p !re fe>$ & rev]5c$ !m1 & ev5 made to 
_! hon\r two /atues ) gold5 heads & set 
!m up on ! m\nta94  ,?is is ! /ory ( !  

,popa ,nats1 ! greate/ ,nats ( all !    
c\ntry ( ,burma1 ! gu>dian spirits ( !  
my/]i\s m\nta94 ,! gold5 heads ( !      
/atues are n[ 9 "o ( our treasuries1 put
 !re = safe cu/ody dur+ ! tr\bles1 ?\gh 
x is d\btful if ev5 !n anyone w\ld h d>$
 to /eal !m1 s greatly are ! ,nats fe>$4
 ,& ! hunt]s & ! travell]s !re mu/ (f]  
to ! ,nats little (f]+s1 if !y w\ld be  
safe 9 ^! =e/s1 & ev5 ! "y man mu/ obta9
 p]mission f ! ,nats be=e he m>ry4  ,i  
?9k ^! /ories t ,i h told1 /ories       
select$ f v _m t ,i h he>d1 w %[ :at    
sort ( spirits ^! are t ! ,burmese h    
peopl$ _! trees & riv]s )2 w %[ :at sort
 ( religion x is t und]lies1 )\t        
influ5c+1 ! cre$ ( ! ,buddha t !y foll[4
 ,x is ( ! v poetry ( sup]/ition1 free f
 brutality1 f bas5ess1 f any?+          
repulsive1 spr++1 z ,i h said1 f _!     
innate sympa?y ) ,nature & recognition (
 ! life t works 9 all ?+s4 ,x always    
seems to me t beliefs su* z ^! are a    
great key to ! nature ( a p1 are1 ap>t f
 all int]e/ 9 _! beauty1 & 9 _! ak9ness 

to o!r beliefs1 ( great value 9 try+ to 
und]/& ! "* ( a nation4  ,= to be+s su* 
z ,nats & fairies ! p :o believe 9 !m w 
attribute su* qualities z are pr$om9ant 
9 !mselves1 z !y consid] admirable2 &1  
inde$1 all sup]natural be+s are b !     
magnifi$ %ad[s ( man ca/ by ! light ( 8 
imag9ation ^u ! mi/s ( 8 ignorance4     
,!re=e1 :5 y f9d t a p make _! spirits  
beautiful & fair1 calm & ev5 temp]$1    
lov+ peace & ! beauty ( ! trees & riv]s1
 %r9k+ly av]se f l\d words1 f noises1 & 
f ! tak+ ( life1 x is because ! p       
!mselves ?9k t ^! are great qualities4  
,if no /ress be laid ^u _! c\rage1 _!   
activity1 _! p]=mance ( great de$s1 x is
 because ! p :o imag9e !m c>e n = su*   
?+s4 ,!re is no tru] guide1 ,i am sure1 
to ! he>t ( a "y p ?an _! sup]/itions2  
^! !y make entirely = !mselves1 ap>t f  
_! religion1 :i* is1 to a c]ta9 ext5t1  
made = !m4 ,t is :y ,i h writt5 ?is     
*apt] on ,nats3 n because ,i ?9k x      
affects ,buddhism v mu* "o way or ano!r1
 b because x seems to me to reveal ! p  

!mselves1 because x helps u to und]/& !m
 bett]1 to see m ) _! eyes1 to be 9     
unison ) _! ideas--because x is a great 
key to ! s\l ( ! p4     ,,*apt] ,,xxii  
,,dea?1 ,,! ,,deliv]]       ',! end ( my
 life is ne> at h&2 sev5 days h5ce1 l a 
man      :o rids himself ( a heavy load1
 ,i %all be free f ! burd5      ( my    
body4'--,dea? ( ! ,buddha4   ,!re is a  
song well kn[n to all ! ,burmese1 !     
words ( :i* are tak5 f ! sacr$ writ+s4  
,x is call$ ! /ory ( ,ma ,pa ,da1 & x 0 
fir/ told to me by a ,burmese monk1 long
 ago1 :5 ,i 0 away on ! fronti]4  ,x    
runs l ?is3  ,9 ! "t ( ! ,buddha1 9 !   
city ( ,?awatti1 !re 0 a c]ta9 ri* man1 
a m]*ant1 :o _h _m slaves4 ,slaves 9 ^? 
days1 &1 inde$1 g5]ally ?r\gh\t ! ,ea/1 
7 held v diff]5tly to slaves 9 ,europe4 
,!y 7 "p ( ! family1 & 7 n saleable )\t 
good reason1 & !re 0 a law applicable to
 !m4 ,!y 7 n hors de la loi1 l ! slaves 
( :i* we h conception4 ,!re are _m cases
 quot$ ( si/]s be+ slaves to si/]s1 & ( 
bro!rs to bro!rs1 quot$ n = ! purpose ( 

say+ t ?is 0 an uncommon occurr5ce1 b   
m]ely ( %[+ po9ts ( law 9 su* cases4    
,"o day 9 ! m>ket ! m]*ant b\ght ano!r  
slave1 a "y man1 h&some & well mann]$1 &
 took him to 8 h\se1 & kept him !re ) 8 
family & ! o!r slaves4 ,! "y man 0 e>ne/
 & c>eful 9 8 "w1 & ! m]*ant approv$ (  
him1 & 8 fell[-slaves lik$ him4 ,b ,ma  
,pa ,da1 ! m]*ant's daught]1 fell 9 love
 ) him4 ,! slave 0 mu* tr\bl$ at ?is1 & 
he did 8 be/ to avoid h]2 b he 0 a slave
 & "u ord]s1 & :at c\ld he d8 ,:5 %e    
w\ld come to him secretly & make love to
 him1 & say1 ',let u flee toge!r1 = we  
love ea* o!r1' he w\ld refuse1 say+ t he
 0 a slave1 & ! m]*ant w\ld be v angry4 
,he said he c\ld n d su* a ?+4 ,& yet :5
 ! girl said1 ',let u flee1 = we love   
ea* o!r1' he knew t x 0 true1 & t he    
lov$ h] z %e lov$ him2 & x 0 only 8     
hon\r to 8 ma/] t held him f do+ z %e   
ask$4  ,b because 8 he>t 0 n ( iron1 &  
!re are few m5 t c resi/ :5 a woman     
comes & woos !m1 he at la/ gave way2 &  
!y fl$ away "o night1 ! girl & ! slave1 

tak+ ) !m h] jewels & "s money4 ,!y     
travell$ rapidly & 9 great fe>1 & did n 
re/ till !y came to a city f> away :]e !
 m]*ant w\ld nev]1 !y ?\ght1 ?9k ( se>*+
 = !m4  ,"h1 9 ?is city :]e no "o knew (
 _! hi/ory1 !y liv$ 9 great happ9ess1   
husb& & wife1 trad+ ) ! money !y _h )   
!m4  ,& 9 "t a little *ild 0 born to !m4
  ,ab\t two or ?ree ye>s aft] ?is x     
became necess>y = ! husb& to take a     
j\rney1 & he />t$ =? ) 8 wife & *ild4 ,!
 j\rney 0 a v long "o1 & !y 7 unduly    
delay$2 & s x happ5$ t :ile /ill 9 ! =e/
 ! wife fell ill1 & c\ld n g on any     
fur!r4 ,s ! husb& built a hut ( bran*es 
& leaves1 & !re1 9 ! solitude ( ! =e/1 0
 born to !m ano!r little son4  ,! "m    
recov]$ rapidly1 & 9 a little "t %e 0   
well en\gh to g on4 ,!y 7 to />t next   
morn+ on _! way aga92 & 9 ! ev5+ ! husb&
 w5t out1 z 0 8 cu/om1 to cut firewood1 
= ! nights 7 cold & damp4  ,ma ,pa ,da  
wait$ & wait$ = him1 b he nev] came     
back4  ,! sun set & ! d>k rose out ( !  
gr\nd1 & ! =e/ became full ( :isp]s1 b  

he nev] came4 ,all night %e wat*$ &     
wait$1 c>+ = h] little ones1 fe>ful to  
leave !m alone1 till at la/ ! gray light
 came d[n1 d[n f ! sky to ! bran*es1 & f
 ! bran*es to ! gr\nd1 & %e c\ld see h] 
way4 ,!n1 ) h] new-born babe 9 h] arms &
 ! eld] little fell[ trott+ by h] side1 
%e w5t out to se>* = h] husb&4 ,soon    
en\gh %e f\nd him1 n f> (f1 /iff & cold 
beside 8 half-cut bundle ( firewood4 ,a 
snake _h bitt5 him on ! ankle1 & he 0   
dead4  ,s ,ma ,pa ,da 0 alone 9 ! great 
=e/1 b a girl /ill1 ) two little *ildr5 
to c>e =4  ,b %e 0 brave1 despite h]    
tr\ble1 & %e det]m9$ to g on & ga9 "s   
village4 ,%e took h] baby 9 h] arms & ! 
little "o by ! h&1 & />t$ on h] j\rney4 
,& = a "t all w5t well1 till at la/ %e  
came to a /ream4 ,x 0 n v deep1 b x 0   
too deep = ! little boy to wade1 = x    
came up to 8 neck1 & 8 "m 0 n /rong     
en\gh to c>ry bo? at once4 ,s1 aft]     
consid]+ = a "t1 %e told ! eld] boy to  
wait4 ,%e w\ld cross & put ! baby on !  
f> side1 & return = him4  ',be good1' %e

 said2 'be good1 & /ay "h quietly till  
,i come back2' & ! boy promis$4  ,!     
/ream 0 deep] & swift] ?an %e ?\ght2 b  
%e w5t ) great c>e & ga9$ ! f> side1 &  
put ! baby "u a tree a little di/ance f 
! bank1 to lie !re :ile %e w5t = ! o!r  
boy4 ,!n1 aft] a few m9utes' re/1 %e w5t
 back4  ,%e _h got to ! c5tre ( ! /ream1
 & h] little boy _h come d[n to ! m>g9  
to be ready = h]1 :5 %e he>d a ru% & a  
cry f ! side %e _h j left2 &1 look+     
r\nd1 %e saw ) t]ror a great eagle sweep
 d[n ^u ! baby1 & c>ry x (f 9 its claws4
 ,%e turn$ r\nd & wav$ h] arms & cri$   
out to ! eagle1 ',he6 he6' hop+ x w\ld  
be fright5$ & drop ! baby4 ,b x c>$ no?+
 = h] cries or ?reats1 & swept on ) long
 curves ov] ! =e/ trees1 away out (     
sight4  ,!n ! "m turn$ to ga9 ! bank    
once m1 & sudd5ly %e miss$ h] son :o _h 
be5 wait+ = h]4 ,he _h se5 8 "m wave h] 
arms2 he _h he>d h] %\t1 & he ?\ght %e 0
 call+ him to come to h]4 ,s ! brave    
little man walk$ d[n into ! wat]1 & !   
black curr5t c>ri$ him (f 8 feet at     

once4 ,he 0 gone1 dr[n$ 9 ! deep wat]   
bel[ ! =d1 toss+ on ! waves t[>ds ! sea4
  ,no "o c write ( ! despair ( ! girl :5
 %e ?rew h]self "u a tree 9 ! =e/4 ,!   
song says x 0 v t]rible4  ,at la/ %e    
said to h]self1 ',i w get up n[ & return
 to my fa!r 9 ,?awatti2 he is all ,i h  
left4 ,?\gh ,i h =sak5 him all ^! ye>s1 
yet n[ t my husb& & 8 *ildr5 are dead1  
my fa!r w take me back aga94 ,surely he 
w h pity on me1 = ,i am mu* to be       
piti$4'  ,s %e w5t on1 & at l5g?1 aft]  
_m days1 %e came to ! gates ( ! great   
city :]e h] fa!r liv$4  ,at ! ent]+ ( ! 
gates %e met a l>ge company ( p1 m\rn]s1
 return+ f a fun]al1 & %e spoke to !m & 
ask$ !m3  ',:o is x t y h be5 bury+     
to-day s gr&ly ) s _m m\rn]s8'  ,& ! p  
answ]$ h]1 & told h] :o x 04 ,& :5 %e   
he>d1 %e fell d[n ^u ! road z "o dead3 =
 x 0 h] fa!r & "m :o _h di$ ye/]day1 & x
 0 _! fun]al tra9 t %e saw4 ,!y 7 all   
dead n[1 husb& & sons & fa!r & "m2 9 all
 ! _w %e 0 q alone4  ,s %e w5t mad1 = h]
 tr\ble 0 m ?an %e c\ld be>4 ,%e ?rew (f

 all h] clo!s1 & let d[n h] long hair & 
wrapp$ x ab\t h] nak$ body1 & walk$ ab\t
 rav+4  ,at la/ %e came to :]e ! ,buddha
 0 tea*+1 seat$ "u a fig-tree4 ,%e came 
up to ! ,buddha1 & told him ( h] losses1
 & h[ %e _h no "o left2 & %e dem&$ ( !  
,buddha t he %\ld re/ore to h] ^? t %e  
_h lo/4 ,& ! ,buddha _h great compassion
 ^u h]1 & tri$ to console h]4  ',all    
die1' he said2 'x comes to ev]yone1 k+ &
 peasant1 animal & man4 ,only ?r\gh _m  
dea?s c we obta9 ! ,great ,peace4 ,all  
?is sorr[1' he said1 'is ( ! e>?4 ,all  
?is is passion :i* we mu/ get rid (1 &  
=get be=e we rea* heav54 ,be com=t$1 my 
daught]1 & turn to ! holy life4 ,all    
suff] z y d4 ,x is "p ( our v exi/5ce   
"h1 sorr[ & tr\ble )\t any end4'  ,b %e 
w\ld n be com=t$1 b dem&$ h] dead ( !   
,buddha4 ,!n1 because he saw x 0 no use 
talk+ to h]1 t h] e>s 7 deaf ) grief1 & 
h] eyes bl9d$ ) te>s1 he said to h] t he
 w\ld re/ore to h] ^? :o 7 dead4  ',y   
mu/ g1' he said1 'my daught]1 & get "s  
mu/>d-se$1 a p9* ( mu/>d-se$1 & ,i c br+

 back _! lives4 ,only y mu/ get ?is se$ 
f ! g>d5 ( him ne> :om dea? has nev]    
come4 ,get ?is1 & all w be well4'  ,s ! 
woman w5t =? ) a light he>t4 ,x 0 s     
simple1 only a p9* ( mu/>d-se$1 & mu/>d 
grew 9 e g>d54 ,%e w\ld get ! se$ & be  
back v quickly1 & !n ! ,"l ,buddha w\ld 
give h] back ^? %e lov$ :o _h di$4 ,%e  
clo!d h]self aga9 & ti$ up h] hair1 &   
w5t *e]fully & ask$ at ! fir/ h\se1     
',give me a p9* ( mu/>d-se$1' & x 0 giv5
 readily4 ,s ) h] treasure 9 h] h& %e 0 
go+ =? back to ! ,buddha full ( delight1
 :5 %e rememb]$4  ',has ev] anyone di$ 9
 y\r h\sehold8' %e ask$1 look+ r\nd     
wi/fully4  ,! man answ]$ ',yes1' t dea? 
_h be5 ) !m b rec5tly4 ,:o c\ld ?is     
woman be1 he ?\ght1 to ask su* a "q8 ,& 
! woman w5t =?1 ! se$ dropp+ f h]       
c>eless f+]s1 = x 0 ( no value4 ,s %e   
w\ld try aga9 & aga91 b x 0 always !    
same4 ,dea? _h tak5 8 tribute f all4    
,fa!r or "m1 son or bro!r1 daught] or   
wife1 !re 0 always a gap some:]e1 a     
vacant place beside ! meal4 ,f h\se to  

h\se ?r\gh\t ! city %e w5t1 till at la/ 
! new hope fad$ away1 & %e le>n$ f ! _w1
 :at %e _h n believ$ f ! ,buddha1 t dea?
 & life are "o4  ,s %e return$1 & %e    
became a nun1 poor s\l6 tak+ on h] ! two
 hundr$ & tw5ty-sev5 v[s1 :i* are s h>d 
to keep t n[adays nuns keep b five (    
!m4#a   ,?is is ! tea*+ ( ! ,buddha1 t  
dea? is inevitable2 ?is is ! consolation
 he (f]s1 t all m5 mu/ "k dea?2 no "o c 
escape dea?2 no "o c escape ! sorr[ ( ! 
dea? ( ^? :om he loves4 ,dea?1 he says1 
& life are "o2 n antagoni/ic1 b ! same2 
& ! only way to escape f "o is to escape
 f ! o!r too4 ,only 9 ! ,great ,peace1  
:5 we h f\nd refuge f ! passion & tumult
 ( life1 %all we f9d ! place :]e dea? _c
 come4 ,life & dea? are "o4  ,?is is !  
tea*+ ( ! ,buddha1 repeat$ ov] & ov]    
aga9 to 8 disciples :5 !y sorr[$ = !    
dea? ( ,?>iputra1 :5 !y 7 9 despair at !
 swift-approa*+ end ( ! great tea*]     
himself4 ,he> :at he says to ,an&a1 !   
belov$ disciple1 :o is m\rn+ ov]        
,?>iputra4  ',an&a1' he said1 '(t5 & (t5

 h ,i s\ght to br+ %elt] to y\r s\l f ! 
mis]y caus$ by su* grief z ?is4 ,!re are
 two ?+s alone t c sep>ate u f fa!r &   
"m1 f bro!r & si/]1 f all ^? :o are mo/ 
*]i%$ by u1 & ^? two ?+s are di/ance &  
dea?4 ,?9k n t ,i1 ?\gh ! ,buddha1 h n  
felt all ?is ev5 z any o!r ( y2 0 ,i n  
alone :5 ,i 0 seek+ = wisdom 9 !        
wild]ness8  ',& yet :at w\ld ,i h ga9$  
by wail+ & lam5t+ ei!r = myself or =    
o!rs8 ,w\ld x h br\ght to me any solace 
f my lonel9ess8 ,w\ld x h be5 any help  
to ^? :om ,i _h left8 ,!re is no?+ t c  
happ5 to u1 h[ev] t]rible1 h[ev]        
mis]able1 t c ju/ify te>s & lam5tations 
& make !m aught b a weakness4'  ,& s1 we
 are told1 9 ?is way ! ,buddha soo!d !  
affliction ( ,an&a1 & fill$ 8 s\l )     
consolation--! consolation (            
resignation4  ,= !re is no o!r          
consolation possible b ?is1 resignation 
to ! inevitable1 ! conviction ( !       
uselessness ( sorr[1 ! vanity &         
selfi%ness ( grief4  ,!re is no meet+   
aga9 ) ! dead4 ,n[h]e 9 ! recurr+       

c5turies %all we meet aga9 ^? :om we h  
lov$1 :om we love1 :o seem to u to be   
p>ts ( our v s\l4 ,t :i* survives ( u1 !
 "p :i* is inc>nat$ aga9 & aga91 until x
 be fit = heav51 has no?+ to d ) love & 
hate4  ,ev5 if 9 ! :irlpool ( life our  
pa?s %\ld cross aga9 ! pa?s ( ^? :om we 
h lov$1 we are nev] told t we %all "k !m
 aga9 & love !m4  ,a fri5d ( m9e has j  
lo/ 8 "m1 & he is v mu* di/ress$4 ,he   
mu/ h be5 v fond ( h]1 = al?\gh he has a
 wife & *ildr51 & is happy 9 8 family1  
he is 9 great sorr[4 ,he proposes ev5 to
 build a pagoda ov] h] rema9s1 a        
te/imony ( respect :i* 9 /rict ,buddhism
 is res]v$ to sa9ts4 ,he has be5 tell+  
me ab\t ?is1 & h[ he is try+ to get a   
sacr$ relic to put 9 ! pagoda1 & ,i ask$
 him if he nev] hop$ aga9 to meet ! s\l 
( 8 "m on e>? or 9 heav51 & he answ]$3  
',no4 ,x is v h>d1 b s are _m ?+s1 & !y 
h to be borne4 ,f> bett] x is to face ! 
tru? ?an to escape by a pleasant        
falsehood4 ,!re is a ,burmese prov]b t  
tells u t all ! _w is "o va/            

burial-gr\nd2 !re are dead m5 ev]y:]e4' 
',"o ( our great m5 has said ! same1' ,i
 answ]$4  ,he 0 n surpris$4  ',z x is   
true1' he said1 ',i suppose all great m5
 w\ld see x4'  ,?us !re is no escape1 no
 loophole = a delusive hope1 only !     
cultivation ( ! c\rage ( sorr[4  ,!re   
are nev] any exceptions to ! laws ( !   
,buddha4 ,if a law is a law1 t is ! end 
( x4 ,j z we "k ( no exceptions to ! law
 ( gravitation1 s !re are no exceptions 
to ! law ( dea?4  ,b al?\gh ?is may seem
 to be a religion ( despair1 x is n     
really s4 ,?is sorr[ to :i* !re is no   
relief is ! selfi%ness ( sorr[1 ! grief 
= our own lonel9ess2 = ( sorr[1 ( fe>1 (
 pity = ! dead1 !re is no ne$4 ,we "k t 
9 "t all w be well ) !m4 ,we "k t1 ?\gh 
!re may be be=e !m va/ p]iods ( suff]+1 
yet t !y w all at la/ be 9 ,nebhan ) u4 
,& if we %all n "k !m !re1 /ill we %all 
"k t !y are !re1 all ( !m--n "o w be    
want+4 ,purifi$ f ! lu/ ( life1 :ite    
s\ls /eep$ 9 ! ,great ,peace1 all liv+  
?+s w atta9 re/ at la/4   ,!re is ?is   

rem>kable fact 9 ,buddhism1 t n[h]e is  
any fe> express$ ( dea? itself1 n[h]e   
any appreh5sion ( :at may happ5 to !    
dead4 ,x is ! sorr[ ( sep>ation1 ! t]ror
 ( dea? to ! survivors1 t is always     
dwelt ^u ) compassion1 & ! agony ( :i* x
 is s\ght to soo!4  ,t ! dy+ man himself
 %\ld require /r5g!n+ to face ! ,k+ (   
,t]rors is h>dly ev] m5tion$4 ,x seems  
to be tak5 = grant$ t m5 %\ld h c\rage 9
 !mselves to take leave ( life becom+ly1
 )\t undue fe>s4 ,buddhism is ! way to  
%[ u ! escape f ! mis]ies ( life1 n to  
give u hope 9 ! h\r ( dea?4  ,x is true 
t to all ,ori5tals dea? is a less fe>ful
 ?+ ?an x is to u4 ,i d n "k :at may be 
! cause ( ?is1 c\rage c]ta9ly has little
 to d ) x2 b x is c]ta9 t ! purely      
physical fe> ( dea?1 t horror & utt]    
revulsion t seizes ! majority ( u at !  
idea ( dea?1 is abs5t f mo/ ,ori5tals4  
,& yet ?is _c expla9 x all4 ,= fe> (    
dea?1 ?\gh less1 is /ill !re1 is /ill a 
/rong influ5ce ^u _! lives1 & x w\ld    
seem t no religion :i* ignor$ ?is great 

fact c\ld become a great liv+ religion4 
,religion is made = man1 to fit 8       
necessities1 n man = religion1 & yet !  
fai? ( ,buddhism is n conc]n$ ) dea?4   
,consid] our fai?1 h[ mu* ( its tea*+   
consi/s ( h[ to avoid ! fe> ( dea?1 h[  
mu* ( its consolation is = ! dea?-b$4   
,h[ we are taught all our lives t we    
%\ld live s z n to fe> dea?2 h[ we h    
prie/s & sacram5ts to soo! ! dy+ man1 & 
give him hope & c\rage1 & h[ ! cr[n &   
summit ( our cre$ is t we %\ld die      
easily4 ,& consid] t 9 ,buddhism all ?is
 is absolutely want+4 ,buddhism is a    
cre$ ( life1 ( conduct2 dea? is ! end ( 
t life1 t is all4  ,we h all se5 dea?4  
,we h all ( u wat*$ ^? :o1 ne> & de> to 
u1 g away out ( our k54 ,!re is no ne$ =
 me to recall ! la/ h\rs ( ^? ( our     
fai?1 to br+ up aga9 ! fad+ eye & wan+  
brea?1 ! messages ( hope we se>* = 9 our
 ,scriptures to give hope to him :o is  
go+1 ! assurances ( religion1 ! cross   
held be=e ! dy+ eyes4  ,_m m51 we are   
told1 turn to religion at ! la/ aft] a  

life ( wick$ness1 & a man may d s ev5 at
 ! elev5? h\r & be sav$4  ,t is "p ( our
 belief2 t is ! /ronge/ "p ( our belief2
 & t is ! hope t all f]v5t ,*ri/ians h1 
t ^? !y love may be sav$ ev5 at ! end4  
,i ?9k x may truly be said t our ,we/]n 
cre$s are all direct$ at ! h\r ( dea?1 z
 ! great & f9al te/ ( t cre$4  ,& n[ ?9k
 ( ,buddhism2 x is a cre$ ( life4 ,9    
life y mu/ w9 y\r way to salvation by   
urg5t ef=t1 by suff]+1 by endurance4 ,on
 y\r dea?-b$ y c d no?+4 ,if y h done   
well1 !n x is well2 if ill1 !n y mu/ 9  
future life try aga9 & aga9 till y      
succe$4 ,a life is n wa%$1 a s\l is n   
made fit = ! dwell+ ( et]nity1 9 a      
mom5t4  ,rep5tance to a ,buddhi/ is b ! 
op5+ ( ! eyes to see ! pa? to           
righte\sness2 x has no virtue 9 itself4 
,to h se5 t we are s9n]s is b ! fir/ /ep
 to cleans+ our s92 9 itself x _c       
purify4  ,z well ask a robb] ( ! poor to
 rep5t1 & suppose !reby t ^? :o h suff]$
 f 8 guilt are comp5sat$ = ! evil done  
to !m by 8 rep5tance1 z to ask a        

,buddhi/ to believe t a s9n] c at ! la/ 
mom5t make good to 8 own s\l all !      
injuries caus$ to t s\l by ! wick$ness (
 8 life4  ,or suppose a man :o has      
de/roy$ 8 con/itution by excess to be by
 ! v fact ( ackn[l$g+ t excess re/or$ to
 heal?4  ,! ,buddhi/ w n h t at all4 ,a 
man is :at he makes himself2 & t mak+ is
 a matt] ( t]rible ef=t1 ( unceas+      
endeav\r t[>ds ! "r1 ( con/ant          
suppression ( s91 till s9 be at la/ dead
 )9 him4 ,if a man has liv$ a wick$     
life1 he dies a wick$ man1 & no wick$   
man c obta9 ! p]fect re/ ( ! s9less     
dead4 ,heav5 is %ut to him4 ,b if heav5 
is %ut x is n %ut = ev]2 if hell may    
p]haps op5 to him x is only = a "t1 only
 till he is purifi$ & wa%$ f ! /a9 ( 8  
s9s2 & !n he c beg9 aga91 & h ano!r     
*ance to w9 heav54 ,if !re is no        
imm$iate heav5 !re is no et]nal hell1 & 
9 due "t all w rea* heav52 all w h      
le>nt1 ?r\gh suff]+1 ! wisdom ! ,buddha 
has %[n to u1 t only by a j life c m5   
rea* ! ,great ,peace ev5 z he did4  ,s t

 if ,buddhism has none ( ! consolation =
 ! dy+ man t ,*ri/ianity holds out1 9 ! 
hope ( heav51 s x has none ( ! ?reats & 
t]rors ( our fai?4 ,!re is no fe> ( an  
angry ,judge--( a ,judge :o is angry4   
,& yet :5 ,i came to ?9k ov] ! matt]1 x 
seem$ to me t surely !re mu/ be some?+  
to calm him 9 ! face ( dea?4 ,if        
,buddhism does n furni% ?is consolation1
 he mu/ g else:]e = x4 ,& ,i 0 n        
satisfi$1 because ,i c\ld f9d no?+ 9 !  
sacr$ books ab\t a man's dea?1 t !re=e !
 cre$ ( ! p _h ignor$ x4 ,a liv+ cre$   
mu/1 ,i 0 sure1 provide = ?is someh[4   
,s ,i w5t to a fri5d ( m9e1 a ,burman   
magi/rate1 & ,i ask$ him3  ',:5 a man is
 dy+1 :at does he try to ?9k (8 ,:at d y
 say to com=t him t 8 la/ mom5ts may be 
peace8 ,! monks d n come1 ,i "k4'  ',!  
monks6' he said1 %ak+ 8 head2 ':at c\ld 
!y d8'  ,i did n "k4  ',c y d any?+1' ,i
 ask$1 'to *e] him8 ,d y speak to him ( 
:at may happ5 aft] dea?1 ( hopes ( ano!r
 life8'  ',no "o c tell1' said my fri5d1
 ':at w happ5 aft] dea?4 ,x dep5ds on a 

man's life1 if he has done good or evil1
 :at 8 next exi/5ce w be1 :e!r he w g a 
/ep ne>] to ! ,peace4 ,:5 ! man is dy+  
no monks w come1 truly2 b an old man1 an
 old fri5d1 fa!r1 p]haps1 or an eld] ( !
 village1 & he w talk to ! dy+ man4 ,he 
w say1 ,?9k ( y\r good de$s2 ?9k ( all t
 y h done well 9 ?is life4 ,?9k ( y\r   
good de$s4'  ',:at is ! use ( t8' ,i    
ask$4 ',suppose y ?9k ( y\r good de$s1  
:at !n8 ,w t br+ peace8'  ,! ,burman    
seem$ to ?9k t x w\ld4  ',no?+1' he     
said1 '0 s calm+ to a man's s\l z to ?9k
 ( ev5 "o de$ he _h done well 9 8 life4'
  ,?9k ( ! man dy+4 ,! little h\se built
 ( bamboo & ?at*1 ) an out] v]&a1 :]e ! 
fri5ds are sitt+1 & ! inn] room1 beh9d a
 wall ( bamboo matt+1 :]e ! man is ly+4 
,a pot ( fl[]s is /&+ on a %elf on "o   
side1 & a few clo?s are hung "h & !re   
b5ea? ! br[n raft]s4 ,! sun comes 9     
?r\gh little *9ks 9 ro( & wall1 mak+    
curi\s lights 9 ! semi-d>kness ( ! room1
 & x is v hot4  ,f outside come ! noises
 ( ! village1 cries ( *ildr5 play+1     

grunts ( cattle1 voices ( m5 & wom5     
cle>ly he>d ?r\gh ! /ill cle> air ( !   
aft]noon4 ,!re is a woman p\nd+ rice ne>
 by ) a /eady ?ud1 ?ud ( ! lev]1 & !re  
is a cl9k ( a loom :]e a girl is weav+  
ceaselessly4 ,all ^! s\nds come into !  
h\se z if !re 7 no walls at all1 b !y   
are unhe$$ f long cu/om4  ,! man lies on
 a l[ b$ ) a f9e mat spread "u him =    
b$d+4 ,8 wife1 8 gr[n-up *ildr51 8 si/]1
 8 bro!r are ab\t him1 = ! "t is %ort1 &
 dea? comes v quickly 9 ! ,ea/4 ,!y talk
 to him k9dly & lov+ly1 b !y read to him
 no sacr$ books2 !y give him no messages
 f ! _w to :i* he is b\nd2 !y :isp] to  
him no hopes ( heav54 ,he is tortur$ )  
no fe>s ( ev]la/+ hell4 ,yet life is    
sweet & dea? is bitt]1 & x is h>d to g2 
& z he tosses to & fro 9 8 fev] !re     
comes 9 to him an old fri5d1 ! headman (
 ! village p]haps1 ) a :ite musl9 fillet
 b\nd ab\t 8 k9d old head1 & he sits    
beside ! dy+ man & speaks to him4       
',rememb]1' he says sl[ly & cle>ly1 'all
 ^? ?+s t y h done well4 ,?9k ( y\r good

 de$s4'  ,& z ! sick man turns we>ily1  
try+ to move 8 ?\ghts z he is bidd51    
try+ to direct ! :eels ( memory1 ! old  
man helps him to rememb]4  ',?9k1' he   
says1 '( y\r good de$s1 ( h[ y h giv5   
*>ity to ! monks1 ( h[ y h f$ ! poor4   
,rememb] h[ y work$ & sav$ to build !   
little re/-h\se 9 ! =e/ :]e ! travell]  
/ays & f9ds wat] = 8 ?ir/4 ,all ^! are  
pleasant ?+s1 & m5 w always be grateful 
to y4 ,rememb] y\r bro!r1 h[ y help$ him
 9 8 ne$1 h[ y f$ him & w5t security =  
him till he 0 able aga9 to secure 8 own 
liv+4 ,y did well to him1 surely t is a 
pleasant ?+4'  ,i d n ?9k x difficult to
 see h[ ! sick man's face w light51 h[ 8
 eyes w bright5 at ! ?\ghts t come to   
him at ! old man's words4 ,& he goes on3
  ',rememb] :5 ! squall came up ! riv] &
 ! boat upset :5 y 7 cross+ "h2 h[ x    
seem$ z if no man c\ld live alone 9 su* 
waves1 & yet h[ y clung to & sav$ ! boy 
:o 0 ) y1 swimm+ ?r\gh ! wat] t spla%$  
ov] y\r head & v ne>ly dr[n$ y4 ,! boy's
 fa!r & "m h nev] =gott5 t1 & !y are ev5

 n[ m\rn+ )\t 9 ! v]&a4 ,x is all due to
 y t _! lives h n be5 full ( mis]y &    
despair4 ,rememb] _! faces :5 y br\ght  
_! little son to !m sav$ f dea? 9 !     
great riv]4 ,surely t is a pleasant ?+4 
,rememb] y\r wife :o is n[ ) y2 h[ y h  
lov$ h] & *]i%$ h]1 & kept fai?ful to h]
 be=e all ! _w4 ,y h be5 a good husb& to
 h]1 & y h hon\r$ h]4 ,%e loves y1 & y h
 lov$ h] all y\r long life toge!r4      
,surely t is a pleasant ?+4'  ,yes1     
surely ^! are pleasant ?+s to h ) "o at 
! la/4 ,surely a man w die easi] ) su*  
memories z ^! be=e 8 eyes1 ) love 9 ^?  
ab\t him1 & ! calm ( good de$s 9 8 dy+  
he>t4 ,if x be a diff]5t way ( soo?+ a  
man's end f ^? :i* o!r nations use1 is x
 ! worse = t8  ,?9k ( y\r good de$s4 ,x 
seems a new idea to me t 9 do+ well 9   
our life we are mak+ = ourselves a      
pleasant dea?1 because ( ! memory ( ^?  
?+s4 ,& if we h none8 or if evil s      
outnumb]$ ! good de$s z to hide &       
ov]:elm !m1 :at !n8 ,a man's dea? w be  
t]rible inde$ if he _c 9 all 8 days     

rememb] "o good de$ t he has done4      
',all a man's life comes be=e him at !  
h\r ( dea?1' said my in=mant2 'all1 f ! 
e>lie/ memory to ! late/ brea?4 ,l a    
:ole l&scape call$ by a fla% ( lightn+  
out ( ! d>k night4 ,x is all !re1 e bit 
( x1 good & evil1 pleasure & pa91 s9 &  
righte\sness4'  ,a man _c escape f 8    
life ev5 9 dea?4 ,9 our acts ( to-day we
 are det]m9+ :at our dea? w be2 if we h 
liv$ well1 we %all die well2 & if n1 !n 
n4 ,z a man lives s %all he die1 is !   
tea*+ ( ,buddhism z ( o!r cre$s4  ,s :at
 ,buddhism has to (f] to ! dy+ believ]  
is ?is1 t if he live accord+ to its     
t5ets he w die happily1 & t 9 ! life t  
he w next ent] ^u he w be less & less   
tr\bl$ by s91 less & less w$d$ to ! lu/ 
( life1 until sometime1 f> away1 he %all
 ga9 ! great ,deliv]ance4 ,he %all h    
p]fect ,peace1 p]fect re/1 p]fect       
happ9ess1 he & 81 9 t heav5 :]e 8 tea*] 
w5t be=e him long ago4  ,& if we %\ld   
say t ?is ,deliv]ance f life1 ?is ,great
 ,peace1 is ,dea?1 :at matt]1 if x be   

inde$ ,peace8  ,,footnote3  #a ,^! five 
v[s are3       #a4 ,n to take life4     
#b4 ,to be hone/4      #c4 ,to tell !   
tru?4      #d4 ,to ab/a9 f intoxicants4 
#e4 ,*a/ity4     ,,*apt] ,,xxiii  ,,!   
,,pott]',s ,,:eel       ',life is l a   
great :irlpool :]e9 we are da%$ to & fro
 by      our passions4'--,say+ ( !      
,buddha4   ,x is a h>d tea*+1 ?is ( !   
,buddha ab\t dea?4 ,x is a tea*+ t may  
appeal to ! reason1 b n to ! s\l1 t :5  
life goes out1 ?is ?+ :i* we call ',i'  
goes out ) x1 & t love & remembrance are
 dead = ev]4  ,x is s h>d a tea*+ t 9   
its purity ! p _c believe x4 ,!y accept 
x1 b !y h add$ on to x a belief :i*     
*anges ! :ole =m ( x1 a belief t is !   
outcome ( t weakness ( humanity :i*     
insi/s t dea? is n & _c be all4  ,?\gh  
to ! /rict ,buddhi/ dea? is ! end ( all 
worldly passion1 to ! ,burmese villag] t
 is n s4 ,he _c grasp1 he _c endure t x 
%\ld be s1 & he has made = himself out (
 ,buddhism a belief t is oppos$ to all  
,buddhism 9 ?is matt]4  ,he believes 9 !

 transmigration ( s\ls1 9 ! survival ( !
 ',i4' ,! tea*+ t :at survives is n !   
',i1' b only ! result ( its action1 is  
too deep = him to hold4 ,true1 if a     
flame dies ! effects t x has caus$      
rema91 & ! flame is dead = ev]4 ,a new  
flame is a new flame4 ,b ! ',i' ( man _c
 die1 he ?9ks2 x lives & loves = all "t4
  ,he has made out ( ! tea*+ a new tea*+
 t is v f> f t ( ! ,buddha1 & ! tea*+ is
 ?is3 ,:5 a man dies 8 s\l rema9s1 8    
',i' has only *ang$ its habitation4     
,/ill x lives & brea!s on e>?1 n !      
effect1 b ! s\l itself4 ,x is reborn    
among u1 & x may ev5 be recognis$ v (t5 
9 its new abode4  ,& t we %\ld nev] =get
 ?is1 t we %\ld nev] d\bt t ?is is true1
 x has be5 s ord]$ t _m c rememb] some?+
 ( ^! =m] lives ( !irs4 ,?is belief is n
 to a ,burman a m]e !ory1 b is z true z 
any?+ he c see4 ,= does he n daily see p
 :o "k ( _! =m] lives8 ,nay1 does he n  
himself1 (t5 vaguely1 h glimpses ( t =m]
 life ( 88 ,no man seems to be q )\t x1 
b ( c\rse x is cle>] to "s ?an o!rs4 ,j 

z we tell /ories 9 ! dusk ( gho/s &     
second sight1 s d !y1 :5 ! day's "w is  
ov]1 gossip ( /ories ( second bir?2 only
 t !y believe 9 !m f> m ?an we d 9      
gho/s4  ,a fri5d ( m9e put up = ! night 
once at a mona/]y f> away 9 ! =e/ ne> a 
small village4 ,he 0 travell+ ) an      
escort ( m\nt$ police1 & !re 0 no place 
else to sleep b 9 ! mona/]y4 ,! monk 01 
z usual1 hospitable1 & put :at he _h1   
b>e h\se-room1 at ! (fic]'s disposal1 & 
he & 8 m5 settl$ d[n = ! night4  ,aft]  
d9n] a fire 0 built on ! gr\nd1 & !     
(fic] w5t & sat by x & talk$ to !       
headman ( ! village & ! monk4 ,fir/ !y  
talk$ ( ! dacoits & ( crops1 unfail+    
subjects ( int]e/1 & gradually !y drift$
 f "o subject to ano!r till ! ,engli%man
 rem>k$ ab\t ! mona/]y1 t x 0 a v l>ge &
 f9e "o = su* a small seclud$ village to
 h built4 ,! mona/]y 0 ( ! be/ &        
/raighte/ teak1 & mu/1 he ?\ght1 h tak5 
a v long "t & a great deal ( lab\r to   
build1 = ! teak mu/ h be5 br\ght f v f> 
away2 & 9 explanation he 0 told a curi\s

 /ory4  ,x appe>$ t 9 ! old days !re us$
 to be only a bamboo & grass mona/]y    
!re1 su* a mona/]y z mo/ jungle villages
 h2 & ! !n monk 0 di/ress$ at !         
smallness ( 8 abode & ! little          
accommodation !re 0 = 8 s*ool--a mona/]y
 is always a s*ool4 ,s "o ra9y season he
 plant$ ) great c>e a numb] ( teak      
se$l+s r\nd ab\t1 & he wat]$ !m & c>$ = 
!m4 ',:5 !y are gr[n up1' he w\ld say1  
'^! teak-trees %all provide timb] = a   
new & prop] build+2 & ,i w myself return
 9 ano!r life1 & ) ^? trees w ,i build a
 mona/]y m wor?y ?an ?is4' ,teak-trees  
take a hundr$ ye>s to rea* a mature     
size1 & :ile ! trees 7 /ill b sapl+s !  
monk di$1 & ano!r monk taught 9 8 /ead4 
,& s x w5t on1 & ! ye>s w5t by1 & f "t  
to "t new mona/]ies ( bamboo 7 built &  
rebuilt1 & ! teak-trees grew bigg] &    
bigg]4 ,b ! village grew small]1 = !    
times 7 tr\bl$1 & ! village 0 f> away 9 
! =e/4 ,s x happ5$ t at la/ ! village   
f\nd itself )\t a monk at all3 ! la/    
monk 0 dead1 & no "o came to take 8     

place4  ,x is a s]i\s ?+ = a village to 
h no monk4 ,to beg9 )1 !re is no "o to  
tea* ! lads to read & write & d         
ari?metic2 & !re is no "o to :om y c    
give (f]+s & !reby get m]it1 & !re is no
 "o to prea* to y & tell y ( ! sacr$    
tea*+4 ,s ! village 0 9 a bad way4  ,!n 
at la/ "o ev5+1 :5 ! girls 7 all out at 
! well draw+ wat]1 !y 7 surpris$ by !   
arrival ( a monk walk+ 9 f ! =e/1 we>y )
 a long j\rney1 footsore & hungry4 ,!   
villag]s receiv$ him ) en?usiasm1 fe>+1 
h[ev]1 t he 0 b pass+ ?r\gh1 & !y       
furbi%$ up ! old mona/]y 9 a hurry = him
 to sleep 94 ,b ! curi\s ?+ 0 t ! monk  
seem$ to "k x all4 ,he knew ! mona/]y & 
! pa? to x1 & ! ways ab\t ! village1 & !
 names ( ! hills & ! /reams4 ,x seem$1  
inde$1 z if he mu/ once h liv$ !re 9 !  
village1 & yet no "o knew him or        
recognis$ 8 face1 ?\gh he 0 b a "y man  
/ill1 & !re 7 villag]s :o _h liv$ !re = 
sev5ty ye>s4 ,next morn+1 in/ead ( go+  
on 8 way1 ! monk came into ! village ) 8
 begg+-b[l1 z monks d1 & w5t r\nd &     

collect$ 8 food = ! day2 & 9 ! ev5+1 :5 
! villag]s w5t to see him at ! mona/]y1 
he told !m he 0 go+ to /ay4 ,he recall$ 
to !m ! monk :o _h plant$ ! teak-trees1 
& h[ he _h said t :5 ! trees 7 gr[n he  
w\ld return4 ',i1' said ! "y monk1 'am  
he t plant$ ^! trees4 ,lo1 !y are gr[n  
up1 & ,i am return$1 & n[ we w build a  
mona/]y z ,i said4'  ,:5 ! villag]s1    
d\bt+1 que/ion$ him1 & old m5 came &    
talk$ to him ( traditions ( long-pa/    
days1 he answ]$ z "o :o knew all4 ,he   
told !m he _h be5 born & educat$ f> away
 9 ! ,s\?1 & _h gr[n up n kn[+ :o he _h 
be52 & t he _h ent]$ a mona/]y1 & 9 "t  
became a ,pongyi4 ,! remembrance came to
 him1 he w5t on1 9 a dream ( h[ he _h   
plant$ ! trees & _h promis$ to return to
 t village f> away 9 ! =e/4  ,! v next  
day he _h />t$1 & travell$ day aft] day 
& week ^u week1 till at l5g? he _h      
arriv$1 z !y saw4 ,s ! villag]s 7       
conv9c$1 & !y set to "w & cut d[n !     
great boles1 & built ! mona/]y su* z my 
fri5d saw4 ,& ! monk liv$ !re all 8     

life1 & taught ! *ildr51 & prea*$ !     
m>vell\s tea*+ ( ! great ,buddha1 till  
at l5g? 8 "t came aga9 & he return$2 = (
 monks x is n said t !y die1 b t !y     
return4  ,?is is ! common belief ( ! p4 
,into ?is has ! my/]y ( ,dh>ma turn$1 9 
! ?\ghts ( ! ,burmese ,buddhi/s1 = no "o
 c believe ! incompreh5sible4 ,a man has
 a s\l1 & x passes f life to life1 z a  
travell] f inn to inn1 till at l5g? x is
 end$ 9 heav54 ,b n till he has atta9$  
heav5 9 8 he>t w he atta9 heav5 9       
reality4  ,_m *ildr51 ! ,burmese w tell 
y1 rememb] _! =m] lives4 ,z !y gr[ old] 
! memories die away & !y =get1 b to ! "y
 *ildr5 !y are v cle>4 ,i h se5 _m su*4 
,ab\t fifty ye>s ago 9 a village nam$   
,ok%itgon 7 born two *ildr51 a boy & a  
girl4 ,!y 7 born on ! same day 9        
neighb\r+ h\ses1 & !y grew up toge!r1 & 
play$ toge!r1 & lov$ ea* o!r4 ,& 9 due  
c\rse !y m>ri$ & />t$ a family1 &       
ma9ta9$ !mselves by cultivat+ _! dry1   
b>r5 fields ab\t ! village4 ,!y 7 always
 kn[n z devot$ to ea* o!r1 & !y di$ z !y

 _h liv$--toge!r4 ,! same dea? took !m  
on ! same day2 s !y 7 buri$ )\t !       
village & 7 =gott52 = ! times 7 s]i\s4  
,x 0 ! ye> aft] ! ,engli% army _h tak5  
,m&alay1 & all ,burma 0 9 a fury (      
insurrection4 ,! c\ntry 0 full ( arm$   
m51 ! roads 7 unsafe1 & ! nights 7      
light$ ) ! flames ( burn+ villages4 ,x 0
 a bad "t = peace-lov+ m51 & _m su*1    
flee+ f _! villages1 took refuge 9 l>g] 
places ne>] ! c5tres ( adm9i/ration4    
,ok%itgon 0 9 ! mid/ ( "o ( ! wor/ ( all
 ! di/ress$ di/ricts1 & _m ( its p fl$1 
& "o ( !m1 a man nam$ ,maung ,kan1 ) 8  
"y wife w5t to ! village ( ,kabyu & liv$
 !re4  ,n[1 ,maung ,kan's wife _h born  
to him tw9 sons4 ,!y 7 born at ,ok%itgon
 %ortly be=e _! p>5ts _h to run away1 & 
!y 7 nam$1 ! elde/ ,maung ,gyi1 :i* is  
,bro!r ,big-fell[1 & ! y\ng] ,maung ,ng1
 :i* means ,bro!r ,little-fell[4 ,^!    
lads grew up at ,kabyu1 & soon le>n$ to 
talk2 & z !y grew up _! p>5ts 7 surpris$
 to he> !m call+ to ea* o!r at play1 &  
call+ ea* o!r1 n ,maung ,gyi & ,maung   

,ng1 b ,maung ,san ,nye9 & ,ma ,gyw94 ,!
 latt] is a woman's "n1 & ! p>5ts       
rememb]$ t ^! 7 ! names ( ! man & wife  
:o _h di$ 9 ,ok%itgon ab\t ! "t ! *ildr5
 7 born4  ,s ! p>5ts ?\ght t ! s\ls ( ! 
man & wife _h ent]$ into ! *ildr51 & !y 
took !m to ,ok%itgon to try !m4 ,!      
*ildr5 knew ev]y?+ 9 ,ok%itgon2 !y knew 
! roads & ! h\ses & ! p1 & !y recognis$ 
! clo!s !y us$ to we> 9 a =m] life2 !re 
0 no d\bt ab\t x4 ,"o ( !m1 ! y\ng]1    
rememb]$1 too1 h[ %e _h borr[$ two      
rupees once ( a woman1 ,ma ,!t1 unkn[n  
to h] husb&1 & left ! debt unpaid4 ,ma  
,!t 0 /ill liv+1 & s !y ask$ h]1 & %e   
recollect$ t x 0 true %e _h l5t ! money 
long ago4  ,%ortly aft]w>ds ,i saw ^!   
two *ildr54 ,!y are n[ j ov] six ye>s   
old4 ,! eld]1 into :om ! s\l ( ! man    
ent]$1 is a fat1 *ubby little fell[1 b !
 y\ng] tw9 is small]1 & has a curi\s    
dreamy look 9 8 face1 m l a girl ?an a  
boy4 ,!y told me mu* ab\t _! =m] lives4 
,aft] !y di$ !y said !y liv$ = "s "t )\t
 a body at all1 w&]+ 9 ! air & hid+ 9 ! 

trees4 ,?is 0 = _! s9s4 ,!n1 aft] "s    
mon?s1 !y 7 born aga9 z tw9 boys4 ',x   
us$1' said ! eld] boy1 'to be s cle>1 ,i
 c\ld rememb] ev]y?+2 b x is gett+ dull]
 & dull]1 & ,i _c n[ rememb] z ,i us$ to
 d4'  ,( *ildr5 su* z ?is y may f9d any 
numb]4 ,only y h to look = !m1 z !y are 
n br\ght =w>d spontane\sly4 ,! ,burmese1
 l o!r p1 hate to h _! beliefs & ideas  
ridicul$1 & f exp]i5ce !y h le>n$ t !   
object ( a =eign] 9 inquir+ into _! ways
 is usually to be able to %[ by 8       
contempt h[ v mu* clev]] a man he is ?an
 !y are4 ,!re=e !y are v %y4 ,b once !y 
und]/& t y only desire to le>n & to see1
 & t y w always treat !m ) c\rtesy &    
consid]ation1 !y w tell y all t !y ?9k4 
,a fell[ (fic] ( m9e has a ,burmese     
police ord]ly1 a "y man ab\t tw5ty1 :o  
has be5 ) him s9ce he came to ! di/rict 
two ye>s ago4 ,yet my fri5d only        
discov]$ accid5tally ! o!r day t 8      
ord]ly rememb]s 8 =m] life4 ,he is v    
unwill+ to talk ab\t x4 ,he 0 a woman   
app>5tly 9 t =m] life1 & liv$ ab\t tw5ty

 miles away4 ,he mu/ h liv$ a good life1
 = x is a /ep ( promotion to be a man 9 
?is life2 b he w n talk ( x4 ,he =gets  
mo/ ( x1 he says1 ?\gh he rememb]$ x :5 
he 0 a *ild4  ,sometimes ?is belief     
leads to lawsuits ( a peculi>ly         
difficult nature4 ,9 #ahhc1 two ye>s    
be=e ! annexation ( ,upp] ,burma1 !re 0 
a case t came into ! local ,c\rt ( ! oil
 di/rict1 :i* dep5d$ ^u ?is !ory (      
transmigration4  ,opposite ,y5angyaung  
!re are _m l>ge isl&s 9 ! riv]4 ,^!     
isl&s dur+ ! l[ wat] mon?s are jo9$ to !
 ma9l&1 & are cov]$ ) a d5se high grass 
9 :i* _m de] live4  ,:5 ! riv] rises1 x 
rises rapidly1 communication ) ! ma9l&  
is cut (f1 & ! isl&s are = a "t1 9 !    
high] rises1 entirely subm]g$4 ,dur+ !  
progress ( ! fir/ rise "s hunt]s w5t to 
"o ( ^! isl&s :]e _m de] 7 to be f\nd & 
set fire to ! grass to drive !m out (   
cov]1 %oot+ !m z !y came out4 ,"s de]1  
flee+ be=e ! fire1 swam across & escap$1
 o!rs fell victims1 b "o fawn1 b>ely    
half gr[n1 ran "r d[n ! isl&1 & 9 its   

bl9d t]ror x leap$ into a boat at an*or 
!re4 ,?is boat 0 t ( a fi%]man :o 0 ply+
 8 trade at "s di/ance1 & ! only        
occupant ( ! boat 0 8 wife4 ,n[ ?is     
woman _h a ye> or s be=e lo/ h] son1 v  
mu* lov$ by h]1 b :o 0 n q ( ! be/ "*1 &
 :5 %e saw ! de] leap+ into ! boat1 %e  
at once fanci$ t %e saw ! s\l ( h] err+ 
son look+ at h] out ( its great t]rifi$ 
eyes4 ,s %e got up & took ! poor pant+  
bea/ 9 h] arms & soo!d x1 & :5 ! hunt]s 
came runn+ to h] to claim x %e refus$4  
',he is my son1' %e said1 'he is m9e4   
,%all ,i give him up to dea?8' ,! hunt]s
 clam\r$ & ?reat5$ to take ! de] by =ce1
 b ! woman 0 q firm4 ,%e w\ld nev] give 
him up except ) h] life4 ',y c see1' %e 
said1 't x is true t he is my son4 ,he  
came runn+ /raight to me1 z he always   
did 9 8 tr\ble :5 he 0 a boy1 & he is n[
 q quiet & cont5t$1 in/ead ( be+ afraid 
( me z an ord9>y de] w\ld be4' ,& x 0 q 
true t ! de] took to h] at once1 &      
rema9$ ) h] will+ly4 ,s ! hunt]s w5t (f 
to ! c\rt ( ! gov]nor & fil$ a suit = ! 

de]4  ,! case 0 tri$ 9 op5 c\rt1 & ! de]
 0 produc$ ) a ribbon r\nd its neck4    
,evid5ce !re 0 naturally b little4 ,!   
hunt]s claim$ ! de] because !y _h driv5 
x out ( ! isl& by _! fire4 ,! woman     
resi/$ ! claim on ! gr\nd t x 0 h] son4 
,! decision ( ! c\rt 0 ?is3  ',! hunt]s 
are n entitl$ to ! de] because !y _c    
prove t ! woman's son's s\l is n 9 !    
animal4 ,! woman is n entitl$ to ! de]  
because %e _c prove t x is4 ,! de] w    
!re=e rema9 ) ! c\rt until "s prop]ly   
au!nticat$ claim is put 94'  ,s ! two   
p>ties 7 turn$ out1 ! woman 9 bitt]     
te>s1 & ! hunt]s angry & vex$1 & ! de]  
rema9$ ! prop]ty ( ! judge4  ,b ?is     
decision 0 aga9/ all ,burmese ideas (   
ju/ice4 ,he %\ld h giv5 ! de] to !      
woman4 ',he want$ x = himself1' said a  
,burman1 speak+ to me ( ! affair4 ',he  
probably kill$ x & ate x4 ,surely x is  
true t (ficials are ( all ! five evils !
 greate/4' ,!n my fri5d rememb]$ t ,i 0 
myself an (ficial1 & he look$ fooli%1 & 
began to make complim5t>y rem>ks ab\t   

,engli% (ficials1 t !y w\ld nev] give   
su* an iniquit\s decision4 ,i turn$ x (f
 by say+ t no d\bt ! judge 0 n[ suff]+ 9
 "s o!r life = ! evil wr\ght 9 ! la/1 & 
! ,burman said t probably he 0 n[       
inhabit+ a tig]4  ,x is v easy to laugh 
at su* beliefs2 no?+ is1 inde$1 easi]   
?an to be witty at ! exp5se ( any       
belief4 ,x is also v easy to say t x is 
all self-deception1 t ! *ildr5 m]ely    
imag9e t !y rememb] _! =m] lives1 or are
 cit+ conv]sation ( _! eld]s4  ,h[ ?is  
may be ,i d n "k4 ,:at is ! explanation 
( ?is1 p]haps ! only belief ( :i* we h  
any k :i* is at once a liv+ belief      
to-day & 0 s z f> back z we c get1 ,i d 
n pret5d to say4 ,= transmigration is no
 !ory ( ,buddhism at all1 b 0 a lead+   
t5et 9 ! f> old] fai? ( ,brahmanism1 (  
:i* ,buddhism 0 b an (f%oot1 z 0        
,*ri/ianity ( ,judaism4  ,i h n1 inde$1 
always attempt$ to rea* ! explanation ( 
?+s ,i h se54 ,:5 ,i h satisfi$ myself t
 a belief is really held by ! p1 t ,i am
 n ! subject ( consci\s deception1 ei!r 

by myself or o!rs1 ,i h conceiv$ t my "w
 0 end$4  ,!re are ^? :o1 9 inve/igat+  
any =eign cu/oms & /range beliefs1 c put
 _! f+] "h & say1 ',?is is :]e !y are   
"r'2 & !re & say1 ',?is belief is       
fooli%ly wrong & idiotic4' ,i am n1     
un=tunately1 "o ( ^! writ]s4 ,i h no su*
 confid5t belief 9 my own infallibility 
( judgm5t z to be able to sit on high & 
say1 ',"h is tru?1 & "h is error4'  ,i w
 leave my read]s to make _! own judgm5t1
 if !y desire to d s2 only ask+ !m 7z !y
 w\ld n l _! own beliefs to be sc(f$ &  
sne]$ at7 t !y w treat ) respect ! s9c]e
 beliefs ( o!rs1 ev5 if !y _c accept !m4
 ,x is only 9 ?is way t we c come to    
und]/& a p & to sympa?ize ) !m4  ,x is  
h>dly necess>y to emphasize ! enorm\s   
effect t a belief 9 transmigration su* z
 ?is has ^u ! life & int]c\rse ( ! p4 ,(
 _! k9dness to animals ,i h spok5       
else:]e1 & x is possible ?is belief 9   
transmigration has some?+ to d ) x1 b n1
 ,i ?9k1 mu*4 ,= if y wi%$ to illtreat  
an animal1 x w\ld be q easy1 ev5 m easy1

 to suppose t an enemy or a murd]]      
inhabit$ ! body ( ! animal1 & t y 7 b   
c>ry+ out ! decrees ( fate by ill-us+ x4
 ,b :5 y love an animal1 x may increase 
t love & make x reasonable1 & n a ?+ to 
be a%am$ (2 & x br+s ! animal _w ne>] to
 y 9 g5]al1 x bridges ov] ! enorm\s void
 betwe5 man & bea/ t o!r religions h    
made4 ,no?+ humanizes a man m ?an love (
 animals4  ,i d n "k if ?is be a p>adox1
 ,i "k t x is a tru?4  ,!re 0 "o po9t t 
puzzl$ me = a "t 9 "s ( ^! /ories (     
transmigration1 su* z ! "o ,i told ab\t 
! man & wife be+ reborn tw9s4 ,x 0 ?is3 
,a man dies & leaves beh9d *ildr51 let u
 say1 to :om he is dev\tly atta*$4 ,he  
is reborn 9 ano!r family 9 ! same       
village1 maybe4 ,x w\ld be natural to   
suppose t he w\ld love 8 =m] family z   
mu* z1 or ev5 m ?an1 8 new "o4          
,complications might arise 9 ?is way :i*
 x is easy to conceive w\ld cause great 
& frequ5t difficulties4  ,i expla9$ ?is 
to a ,burman "o day1 & ask$ him :at     
happ5$1 & ?is is :at he said3 ',!       

affection ( "m to son1 ( husb& to wife1 
( bro!r to si/]1 belongs entirely to !  
body 9 :i* y may happ5 to be liv+4 ,:5 x
 dies1 s d ^! affections4 ,new          
affections arise f ! new body4 ,! fle% (
 ! son1 be+ ( "o ) 8 fa!r1 ( c\rse loves
 him2 b z 8 pres5t fle% has no sort (   
connection ) 8 =m] "o1 he does n love ^?
 to :om he 0 relat$ 9 8 o!r lives4 ,^!  
affections are z mu* a "p ( ! body z !  
h& or ! eyesight2 ) "o y put (f ! o!r4' 
,?us all love1 to ! le>n$1 ev5 ! pure/  
affection ( daught] to "m1 ( man to 8   
fri5d1 is 9 !ory a function ( ! body--) 
! "o we put (f ! o!r2 & ?is may expla91 
p]haps1 some?+ ( :at my previ\s *apt]   
did n make q cle>1 t 9 ! h]eaft]#b (    
,buddhism !re is no affection4  ,:5 we h
 put (f all bodies1 :5 we h atta9$      
,nirvana1 love & hate1 desire &         
repulsion1 w h fall5 f u = ev]4         
,mean:ile1 9 ea* life1 we are oblig$ to 
endure ! affections ( ! body into :i* we
 may be born4 ,x is ! fir/ duty ( a     
monk1 ( him :o is try+ to lead ! pur]   

life1 to kill all ^! affections1 or r to
 bl5d !m into "o great compassion to all
 ! _w alike4 ',gayna1' compassion1 t is 
! only passion t w be left to u4 ,s say 
! le>n$4  ,i met a little girl n long   
ago1 a wee little maid5 ab\t sev5 ye>s  
old1 & %e told me all ab\t h] =m] life  
:5 %e 0 a man4 ,h] "n 0 ,maung ,mon1 %e 
said1 & %e us$ to "w ! dolls 9 a        
travell+ m>ionette %[4 ,x 0 ?r\gh h] k &
 p>tiality = m>ionettes t x 0 fir/      
suspect$1 h] p>5ts told me1 :om %e _h   
be5 9 h] =m] life4 ,%e c\ld ev5 z a     
suck+-*ild manipulate ! /r+s ( a        
m>ionette-doll4 ,b ! actual discov]y    
came :5 %e 0 ab\t f\r ye>s old1 & %e    
recognis$ a c]ta9 m>ionette boo? & dolls
 z h] own4 ,%e knew all ab\t !m1 knew ! 
"n ( ea* doll1 & ev5 "s ( ! words !y us$
 to say 9 ! plays4 ',i 0 m>ri$ f\r      
times1' %e told me4 ',two wives di$1 "o 
,i divorc$2 "o 0 liv+ :5 ,i di$1 & is   
liv+ /ill4 ,i lov$ h] v mu* inde$4 ,! "o
 ,i divorc$ 0 a dreadful woman4 ,see1'  
po9t+ to a sc> on h] %\ld]1 '?is 0 giv5 

me once 9 a qu>rel4 ,%e took up a *opp] 
& cut me l ?is4 ,!n ,i divorc$ h]4 ,%e  
_h a dreadful temp]4'  ,x 0 imm5sely    
qua9t to he> ?is little ?+ disc\rs+ l   
?is4 ,! m>k 0 a bir?-m>k1 & ,i 0 assur$ 
t x correspond$ exactly ) "o t _h be5   
giv5 to ! man by 8 wife 9 j su* a qu>rel
 z ! "o ! little girl describ$4  ,!     
divorc$ wife & ! mu*-lov$ wife are /ill 
alive & n yet old4 ,! la/ wife want$ !  
little girl to g & live ) h]4 ,i ask$ h]
 :y %e did n g4  ',y lov$ h] s mu*1' ,i 
said4 ',%e 0 su* a good wife to y4      
,surely y w\ld l to live ) h] aga94'    
',b all t1' %e repli$1 '0 9 a =m] life4'
  ,n[ %e lov$ only h] pres5t fa!r & "m4 
,! la/ life 0 l a dream4 ,brok5 memories
 ( x /ill rema9$1 b ! loves & hates1 !  
passions & impulses1 7 all dead4  ,ano!r
 little boy told me once t ! way        
remembrance came to him 0 by see+ ! silk
 he us$ to we> made into curta9s1 :i*   
are giv5 to ! monks & us$ z p>titions 9 
_! mona/]ies1 & z walls to tempor>y     
erections made at fe/ival times4 ,he 0  

tak5 :5 "s ?ree ye>s old to a fea/ at ! 
mak+ ( a lad1 ! son ( a weal?y m]*ant1  
into a monk4 ,!re he recognis$ 9 !      
curta9 wall+ 9 "p ( ! bamboo build+ 8   
old dress4 ,he po9t$ x out at once4     
,?is same little fell[ told me t he     
pass$ ?ree mon?s betwe5 8 dea? & 8 next 
inc>nation )\t a body4 ,?is 0 because he
 _h once accid5tally kill$ a f[l4 ,_h he
 kill$ x on purpose1 he w\ld h be5      
puni%$ v mu* m sev]ely4 ,mo/ ( ?is ?ree 
mon?s he sp5t dwell+ 9 ! holl[ %ell ( a 
palm-fruit4 ,! nuisance 01 he expla9$1 t
 ?is %ell 0 close to ! cattle-pa?1 & t !
 lads z !y drove ! cattle afield 9 !    
e>ly morn+ w\ld bang ) a /ick aga9/ !   
%ell4 ,?is made ?+s v uncom=table = him 
inside4  ,x is n an uncommon ?+ = a     
woman :5 ab\t to be deliv]$ ( a baby to 
h a dream1 & to see 9 t dream ! _s (    
someone ask+ = p]mission to ent] !      
unborn *ild2 =1 to a c]ta9 ext5t1 x lies
 )9 a woman's p[] to say :o is to be !  
life ( h] *ild4  ,!re 0 a woman once :o 
lov$ a "y man1 n ( h] village1 v de>ly4 

,& he lov$ h]1 too1 z de>ly z %e lov$   
him1 & he dem&$ h] 9 m>riage f h] p>5ts2
 b !y refus$4 ,:y !y refus$ ,i d n "k1 b
 probably because !y did n consid] ! "y 
man a prop] p]son = _! daught] to m>ry4 
,!n he tri$ to run away ) h]1 & ne>ly   
succe$$1 b !y 7 caught be=e !y got cle> 
( ! village4  ,! "y man _h to leave !   
neighb\rhood4 ,! attempt$ abduction ( a 
girl is an (f5ce sev]ely puni%able by   
law1 s he fl$2 & 9 "t1 "u pressure f h] 
p1 ! girl m>ri$ ano!r man2 b %e nev]    
=got4 ,%e liv$ ) h] husb& q happily2 he 
0 good to h]1 z mo/ ,burmese husb&s are1
 & !y got along well en\gh toge!r4 ,b   
!re 7 no *ildr54  ,aft] "s ye>s1 f\r or 
five1 ,i believe1 ! =m] lov] return$ to 
8 village4 ,he ?\ght t aft] ?is lapse ( 
"t he w\ld be safe f prosecution1 & he  
01 moreov]1 v ill4  ,he 0 s ill t v soon
 he di$1 )\t ev] see+ aga9 ! girl he 0 s
 fond (2 & :5 %e he>d ( 8 dea? %e 0     
greatly di/ress$1 s t ! desire ( life   
pass$ away f h]4 ,x s happ5$ t at ?is v 
"t %e f\nd h]self ence9te ) h] fir/     

*ild1 & n long be=e ! due "t came = !   
*ild to be born %e _h a dream4  ,%e     
dreamt t h] s\l left h] body1 & w5t out 
into space & met !re ! s\l ( h] lov] :o 
_h di$4 ,%e 0 rejoic$ to meet him aga91 
full ( delight1 s t ! return ( h] s\l to
 h] body1 h] awak5+ to a _w 9 :i* he 0  
n1 fill$ h] ) despair4 ,s %e pray$ h]   
lov]1 if x 0 n[ "t = him aga9 to be     
inc>nat$1 t he w\ld come to h]--t 8 s\l 
w\ld ent] ! body ( ! little baby soon   
ab\t to be born1 s t !y two might be    
toge!r 9 life once m4  ,& 9 ! dream !   
lov] cons5t$4 ,he w\ld come1 he said1   
into ! *ild ( ! woman he lov$4  ,:5 !   
woman awoke %e rememb]$ x all1 & !      
desire ( life return$ to h] aga91 & all 
! _w 0 *ang$ because ( ! new life %e    
felt )9 h]4 ,b %e told no "o !n ( !     
dream or ( :at 0 to happ54  ,only %e    
took ! greate/ c>e ( h]self2 %e ate     
well1 & w5t frequ5tly to ! pagoda )     
fl[]s1 pray+ t ! body 9 :i* h] lov] 0   
ab\t to dwell might be fair & /rong1    
wor?y ( him :o took x1 wor?y ( h] :o    

gave x4  ,9 due "t ! baby 0 born4 ,b    
alas & alas = all h] hopes6 ,! baby came
 b = a mom5t1 to brea! a few %ort       
brea?s1 to cry1 & to die2 & a few h\rs  
lat] ! woman di$ also4 ,b be=e %e w5t %e
 told someone all ab\t x1 all ab\t !    
dream & ! baby1 & t %e 0 glad to g &    
foll[ h] lov]4 ,%e said t h] baby's s\l 
0 h] lov]'s s\l1 & t z he c\ld n /ay1   
nei!r w\ld %e2 & ) ^! words on h] lips  
%e foll[$ him out into ! void4  ,! /ory 
0 kept a secret until ! husb& di$1 n    
long aft]w>ds2 b :5 ,i came to ! village
 all ! p knew x4  ,i mu/ confess t ?is  
/ory is to me full ( ! deepe/ reality1  
full ( pa?os4 ,x seems to me to be !    
unconsci\s prote/ation ( humanity aga9/ 
! dogmas ( religion & ( ! le>n$4 ,h[ev] 
x may be /at$ t love is b "o ( ! bodily 
passions t dies ) x2 h[ev]1 ev5 9 "s ( !
 /ories !mselves1 ?is explanation is us$
 to cle> c]ta9 difficulties2 h[ev]      
oppos$ et]nal love may be to "o ( !     
c5tral doctr9es ( ,buddhism1 x seems to 
me t ! v ess5ce ( ?is /ory is ! belief t

 love does n die ) ! body1 t x lives =  
ev] & ev]1 ?r\gh inc>nation aft]        
inc>nation4 ,su* a /ory is ! v cry ( !  
agony ( humanity4  ',love is /rong z    
dea?2 _m wat]s _c qu5* love2' ay1 & love
 is /rong] ?an dea?4 ,n any dogmas ( any
 religion1 n any philosophy1 no?+ 9 ?is 
_w1 no?+ 9 ! next1 %all prev5t him :o   
loves f ! c]ta9ty ( rejo9+ "s "t ! s\l  
he loves4  ,,footnote3  #b ,! h]eaft]  !
 /ate to :i* we atta9 :5 we h done )    
e>?ly ?+s4     ,,*apt] ,,xxiv  ,,! ,,=e/
 ,,( ,,"t       ',! gate ( t =e/ 0      
,dea?4'   ,!re 0 a great =e/4 ,x 0 full 
( giant trees t grew s high & 7 s ?ick  
ov]head t ! sun%9e c\ld n get d[n bel[4 
,& !re 7 huge creep]s t ran f tree to   
tree climb+ !re1 & ?r[+ d[n great loops 
( rope4 ,"u ! trees1 gr[+ along ! gr\nd1
 7 small] creep]s full ( ?orns1 t tore !
 wayf>] & b>r$ 8 progress4 ,! =e/1 too1 
0 full ( snakes t crept along ! gr\nd1 s
 l 9 _! gray & yell[ sk9s to ! e>? !y   
travell$ on t ! travell] trod ^u !m     
unaw>es & 0 bitt52 & "s s beautiful )   

coral r$ & gold5 b>s t m5 w\ld pick !m  
up z "s da9ty jewel till ! snake turn$  
^u !m4  ,"h & !re 9 ?is =e/ 7 little    
glades :]e9 !re 7 fl[]s4 ,beautiful     
fl[]s !y 71 ) deep :ite cups & broad    
glossy leaves hid+ ! purple fruit2 & "s 
_h sc>let blossoms t nodd$ to & fro l   
dr[sy m51 & !re 7 long fe/oons ( :ite   
/>s4 ,! air !re 0 heavy ) _! sc5t4 ,b !y
 7 all full ( ?orns1 only y c\ld n see !
 ?orns till aft] y _h pluck$ ! blossom4 
,?is wood 0 pi]c$ by roads4 ,_m 7 v     
broad1 lead+ ?r\gh ! =e/ 9 div]s ways1  
"s ( !m /opp+ n[ & !n 9 ! glades1 o!rs  
avoid+ !m m or less1 b none ( !m 7      
/raight4 ,always1 if y foll[$ !m1 !y b5t
 & b5t until aft] mu* travell+ y 7 :]e y
 began2 & ! broad] ! road1 ! s(t] ! turf
 b5ea? x2 ! sweet] ! glades t l9$ x1 !  
quick] did x turn4  ,"o road !re 0 t w5t
 /raight1 b x 0 f> f ! o!rs4 ,x l$ among
 ! rocks & cliffs t b\nd$ "o side ( !   
valley4 ,x 0 v r\gh1 v f> f all ! glades
 9 ! l[l&s4 ,no fl[]s grew beside x1 !re
 0 no moss or grass ^u x1 only h>d %>p  

rocks4 ,x 0 v n>r[1 bord]$ ) precipices4
  ,!re 7 _m lights 9 ?is wood1 lights t 
flam$ out l sunsets & di$1 lights t came
 l lightn+ 9 ! night & 7 gone4 ,?is wood
 0 nev] q d>k1 x 0 s full ( ^! lights t 
flick]$ aimlessly4  ,!re 7 m5 9 ?is wood
 :o w&]$ to & fro4 ,! wood 0 full ( !m4 
,!y did n "k :i!r !y w5t2 !y did n "k   
:i!r !y wi%$ to g4 ,only ?is !y knew1 t 
!y c\ld nev] keep /ill2 = ! keep] ( ?is 
wood 0 ,"t4 ,he 0 arm$ ) a ke5 :ip1 &   
kept driv+ !m on & on2 !re 0 no re/4    
,_m ( ^! :5 !y fir/ came lov$ ! wood4 ,!
 glades1 !y said1 7 v beautiful1 ! fl[]s
 v sweet4 ,!y w&]$ d[n ! broad roads    
into ! glades1 & tri$ to lie ^u ! moss &
 love ! fl[]s2 b ,"t w\ld n let !m4 ,j =
 a few mom5ts !y c\ld h peace1 & !n !y  
mu/ on & on4 ,b !y did n c>e4 ',! =e/ is
 full ( glades1' !y said2 'if we _c live
 9 "o1 we c f9d ano!r4' ,& s !y w5t on  
f9d+ o!rs & o!rs1 & ea* "o pleas$ !m    
less4  ,"s few !re 7 :o did n g to !    
glades at all4 ',!y are v beautiful1' !y
 said1 'b ^! roads t pass ?r\gh !m1 :i!r

 d !y lead8 ,r\nd & r\nd & r\nd aga94   
,!re is no peace !re4 ,"t rules 9 ^?    
glades1 ,"t ) 8 :ip & goad1 & !re is no 
peace4 ,:at we want is re/4 ,& ^?       
lights1' !y said1 '!y are w&]+ lights1 l
 ! summ] lightn+ f> d[n 9 ! ,s\?1 mov+  
hi!r & ?i!r4 ,we c>e n = su* lights4    
,our light is firm & cle>4 ,:at we      
desire is peace2 we d n c>e to w&] = ev]
 r\nd ?is =e/1 to see = ev] ^? %ift+    
lights4'  ,& s !y w\ld n g d[n ! w9d+   
roads1 b essay$ ! pa? ^u ! cliffs4 ',x  
is n>r[1' !y said1 'x has no fl[]s1 x is
 full ( rocks1 b x is /raight4 ,x w lead
 u some:]e1 n r\nd & r\nd & r\nd aga9--x
 w take u some:]e4 ,& !re is a light1'  
!y said1 'be=e u1 ! light ( a />4 ,x is 
v small n[1 b x is always /eady2 x nev] 
flick]s or wanes4 ,x is ! /> ( ,tru?4   
,"u t /> we %all f9d t :i* we seek4'  ,&
 s !y w5t ^u _! road1 toil+ ^u ! rocks1 
fall+ n[ & !n1 ble$+ ) w\nds f ! %>p    
po9ts1 sore-foot$1 b /rong-he>t$4 ,& ev]
 z !y w5t !y 7 f>!r & f>!r f ! =e/1 f>!r
 & f>!r f ! glades & ! fl[]s ) deadly   

sc5ts2 !y he>d less & less ! crack ( !  
:ip ( ,"t fall+ ^u ! w&]]s' %\ld]s4  ,! 
/> grew ne>] & ne>]1 ! light grew great]
 & great]1 ! false lights di$ beh9d !m1 
until at la/ !y came out ( ! =e/1 & !re 
!y f\nd ! lake t wa%es away all desire  
"u ! sun ( ,tru?4  ,!y _h won _! way4   
,"t & ,life & ,fight & ,/ruggle 7 beh9d 
!m1 c\ld n foll[ !m1 z !y came1 we>y &  
footsore1 into ! ,great ,peace4  ,& ( ^?
 :o 7 left beh9d1 ( ^? :o /ay$ 9 !      
glades to ga!r ! deadly fl[]s1 to be    
driv5 ev] =w>d by ! :ip ( ,"t--:at ( !m8
 ,surely !y w le>n4 ,! k9dly :ip ( ,"t  
is beh9d3 he w nev] let !m re/ 9 su* a  
deadly =e/2 !y mu/ g ev] =w>d2 & z !y g 
!y gr[ m & m we>y1 ! glades are m & m   
di/a/eful1 ! heavy-sc5t$ blossoms m & m 
repulsive4 ,!y w f9d out ! ?orns too4   
,at fir/ !y =got ! ?orns 9 ! fl[]s4 ',! 
blossoms are beautiful1' !y said2 ':at  
c>e we = ! ?orns8 ,nay1 ! ?orns are     
good4 ,x is a pleasure to fight ) !m4   
,:at w\ld ! =e/ be )\t its ?orns8 ,if we
 c\ld ga!r ! fl[]s & f9d no ?orns1 we   

%\ld n c>e = !m4 ,! m ! ?orns1 ! m      
valuable ! blossoms4'  ,s !y said1 & !y 
ga!r$ ! blossoms1 & !y fad$4 ,b ! ?orns 
did n fade2 !y 7 ev] !re4 ,! m blossoms 
a man _h ga!r$1 ! m ?orns he _h to we>1 
& ,"t 0 ev] beh9d him4 ,!y want$ to re/ 
9 ! glades1 b ,"t will$ t ev] !y mu/ g  
=w>d2 no go+ back1 no re/1 ev] & ev] on4
 ,s !y grew v we>y4  ',^! fl[]s1' !y    
said at la/1 'are always ! same4 ,we are
 tir$ ( !m2 _! smell is heavy2 !y are   
dead4 ,?is =e/ is full ( ?orns only4 ,h[
 %all we escape f x8 ,ev] z we g r\nd & 
r\nd we hate ! fl[]s m1 we feel ! ?orns 
m acutely4 ,we mu/ escape6 ,we are sick 
( ,"t & 8 :ip1 our feet are v1 v we>y1  
our eyes are dazzl$ & dim4 ,we1 too1    
w\ld seek ! ,peace4 ,we laugh$ at ^?    
be=e :o w5t along ! rocky pa?2 we did n 
want peace2 b n[ x seems to u ! mo/     
beautiful ?+ 9 ! _w4 ,w ,"t nev] cease  
to drive u on & on8 ,w ^! lights nev]   
cease to fla% to & fro8'  ,ea* man at   
la/ w turn to ! /raight road4 ,he w f9d 
out4 ,e man w f9d out at la/ t ! =e/ is 

hateful1 t ! fl[]s are deadly1 t ! ?orns
 are t]rible2 e man w le>n to fe> ,"t4  
,!n1 :5 ! long+ = peace has come1 he w g
 to ! /raight way & f9d x2 no man w     
rema9 9 ! =e/ = ev]4 ,he w le>n4 ,:5 he 
is v1 v we>y1 :5 8 feet are full (      
?orns1 & 8 back sc>r$ ) ! la%es (       
,"t--great1 k9dly ,"t1 ! s*oolma/] ( !  
_w--he w le>n4  ,n till he has le>nt w  
he desire to ent] into ! /raight road4  
,b 9 ! end all m5 w come4 ,we at ! la/  
%all all meet toge!r :]e ,"t & ,life    
%all be no m4  ,?is is a ,burman        
allegory ( ,buddhism4 ,x 0 told me long 
ago4 ,i tru/ ,i h n spoilt x 9 !        
retell+4     ,,*apt] ,,xxv  ,,conclusion
   ,?is is ! end ( my book4 ,i h tri$   
always z ,i wrote to rememb] ! pr9ciples
 t ,i laid d[n = myself 9 ! fir/ *apt]4 
,:e!r ,i h always done s ,i _c say4 ,x  
is s difficult1 s v difficult1 to und]/&
 a p--any p--to sep>ate _! beliefs f _! 
ass5ts1 to discov] ! motives ( _! de$s1 
t ,i fe> ,i mu/ (t5 h fail$4  ,my book  
is %ort4 ,x w\ld h be5 easy to make a   

book out ( ea* *apt]1 to write volumes  
on ea* great subject t ,i h t\*$ on2 b  
,i h n done s--,i h always be5 z brief z
 ,i c\ld4  ,i h tri$ always to illu/rate
 only ! c5tral ?\ght1 & n ! innum]able  
div]g5cies1 because only s c a great or 
/range ?\ght be made cle>4 ,lat]1 :5 !  
?\ght is kn[n1 !n x is easy to /ray into
 ! byways ( ?\ght1 always rememb]+ t !y 
are byways1 w&]+ f a great c5tre4  ,= ! 
,burman's life & belief is "o great     
:ole4  ,i ?\ght be=e ,i began to write1 
& ,i h become m & m c]ta9 ( x z ,i h    
tak5 up subject aft] subject1 t to all !
 great diff]5ces ( ?\ght betwe5 !m & u  
!re is "o key4 ,& ?is key is t !y       
believe ! _w is gov]n$ by et]nal laws1 t
 h nev] *ang$1 t w nev] *ange1 t are    
f\nd$ on absolute righte\sness2 :ile we 
believe 9 a p]sonal ,god1 alt]+ laws1 & 
*ang+ moralities accord+ to ,8 w4  ,if  
,i 7 to rewrite ?is book1 ,i %\ld d s f 
?is /&po9t ( et]nal laws1 mak+ ! book an
 illu/ration ( ! proposition4  ,p]haps x
 is bett] z x is1 9 t ,i h discov]$ !   

key at ! end ( my "w in/ead ( at !      
beg9n+4 ,i did n write ! book to prove !
 proposition1 b 9 writ+ ! book ?is tru? 
has become app>5t to me4  ,! m ,i h     
writt51 ! cle>] has ?is tea*+ become to 
me1 until n[ ,i wond] t ,i did n und]/& 
long ago--nay1 t x has n always be5     
app>5t to all m54  ,surely x is ! beg9n+
 ( all wisdom4  ,n until we _h disc>d$  
,atlas & sub/itut$ gravity1 until we _h 
=gott5 ,enceladus & le>n$ ! laws ( heat1
 until we _h reject$ ,?or & 8 hamm] &   
se>*$ aft] ! laws ( electricity1 c\ld   
sci5ce make any /rides onw>d4  ,an      
irresponsible _s play+ ) ! _w z 8 toy   
kill$ all sci5ce4  ,b n[ sci5ce has     
le>n$ a new wisdom1 to look only at :at 
x c see1 to leave va9 imag9+s to *ildr5 
& ideali/s1 c]ta9 always t ! tru? is    
inconceivably m beautiful ?an any dream4
  ,sci5ce ) u has ga9$ h] fre$om1 b !   
s\l is /ill 9 bonds4  ,only 9 ,buddhism 
has ?is s\l-fre$om be5 p>tly ga9$4 ,h[  
beautiful ?is is1 h[ full ( great       
?\ghts1 h[ v diff]5t to ! b>r5          

mat]ialism x has (t5 be5 said to be1 ,i 
h tri$ to %[4  ,i believe myself t 9 ?is
 tea*+ ( ! laws ( righte\sness we h !   
gr&e/ conception1 ! greate/ wisdom1 ! _w
 has kn[n4  ,i believe t 9 accept+ ?is  
conception we are op5+ to ourselves a   
new _w ( unimag9able progress1 9 ju/ice1
 9 *>ity1 9 sympa?y1 & 9 love4  ,i      
believe t z our m9ds1 :5 fre$ f _!      
bonds1 h gr[n m & m rapidly to heights (
 ?\ght be=e undream$ (1 to tru?s et]nal1
 to beauty inexpressible1 s %all our    
s\ls1 :5 fre$1 z our m9ds n[ are1 rise  
to sublimities ( :i* n[ we h no         
conception4  ,let ea* man b op5 8 eyes &
 see1 & 8 own s\l %all tea* him m>vell\s
 ?+s4   ,,! ,,end4   ,,bill+ ,,& ,,sons1
 ,,pr9t]s1 ,,guild=d4